Genetics at the research arm of the San Diego Zoo strives for the future by working to preserve the biodiversity of every individual creature through the preservation of its DNA for generations to come. The Beckman Center for Conservation Research is where thousands upon thousands of DNA samples of animals are held for the purpose of preservation. This staggering display of biodiversity conservation is not, however, the ideal end.

According to the head of genetics at the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research, Dr. Oliver Ryder, the main goal of genetics should not be merely to save species, but rather to save species in their habitats. This is particularly true for cheetahs, which are extremely threatened as a species. Due to a genetic bottleneck long ago, the cheetah population became near clones of one another, which has sharply decreased genetic diversity and leaves them extremely susceptible to disease. Consequently, the cheetahs are very fragile members of their communities. It could be said that they are not balanced, which is extremely worrying for geneticists since an extinction of the weak cheetah population would naturally have disastrous results. This genetic balance is what genetics strives to ensure: that every species remains a functioning member of their community.

Even the smallest creature’s removal can have dire effects on an ecosystem, which is why geneticists work so hard to conserve biodiversity as a way of increasing every creature’s chances for survival. At the Institute, conservation of biodiversity is guaranteed through the Frozen Zoo, an impressive tool utilized by conservationists everywhere. The Frozen Zoo is a repository of hundreds upon thousands of DNA samples from animals ranging from the common squirrel to the rare mountain gorilla, and thus priceless in its significance. It is a symbol of biodiversity and the only one of its kind in the world, confirming once again that the research arm of the San Diego Zoo and its geneticists are the future, a future in which every animal has a place.

Liz, Real World Team

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