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Summary of Description:
The world’s second successfully cloned Przewalski’s horse was born on February 17th and offers hope for bringing genetic diversity back to this endangered species. The foal is a clone of a male Przewalski’s horse whose DNA was cryopreserved 40 years ago at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Biodiversity Bank’s Frozen Zoo. The cloning was made possible through partnerships with Revive & Restore, ViaGen Pets & Equine, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This is a remarkable step forward for saving at-risk wildlife worldwide. The foal will be moved to the Safari Park later this year as part of SDZWA’s ongoing efforts to conserve the endangered Przewalski’s horse.
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Hey fellow wildlife enthusiasts! As a zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, I’m excited to share with you some fascinating insights about our Biodiversity Bank. This incredible initiative plays a vital role in the conservation of endangered species and their habitats around the world.
So, what exactly is the Biodiversity Bank? It’s a cutting-edge program that works to preserve the genetic diversity of threatened species by collecting and storing samples, such as seeds, eggs, and tissue. By safeguarding these precious resources, we’re helping to ensure the survival of these species for generations to come.
One of the most amazing aspects of the Biodiversity Bank is its role in supporting conservation breeding programs. When traditional breeding efforts are not enough, the stored genetic material can be used to create new individuals, thus increasing the chances of a species’ survival. Talk about a modern-day Noah’s Ark!
In addition to playing a key role in species preservation, the Biodiversity Bank also supports vital research. Scientists from around the world use these genetic samples to study the unique adaptations and behaviors of various species, helping us better understand how to protect them in the wild.
As a zookeeper, I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organization that’s committed to conserving our planet’s amazing biodiversity. The next time you visit the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, take a moment to appreciate the groundbreaking work being done behind the scenes to protect the countless species that call our planet home. Together, we can make a difference!
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Source Description
The future is now. We’re excited to announce the recent birth of the world’s second successfully cloned Przewalski’s horse. This birth offers further hope to bringing genetic diversity back to this endangered species ?
The foal, born February 17th to a domestic surrogate mare, is a clone of a male Przewalski’s horse whose DNA was cryopreserved 40 years ago at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Biodiversity Bank’s Frozen Zoo. He is the genetic twin of the world’s first cloned Przewalski’s horse, Kurt, who was born in August 2020 from the same stallion’s living cell line.
This breakthrough for conservation is the result of collaborative partnerships with @reviverestore7124, @viagenpetsequine6405, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Until this recent birth, cloning had only successfully produced a single individual of any endangered species, making this a remarkable step forward for saving at-risk wildlife around the world.
This spunky little guy will be moved from his birthplace in Texas to the Safari Park later this year as part of SDZWA’s ongoing efforts to conserve the endangered Przewalski’s horse.
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