Penh's legacy lives on with exciting new partnership

_{PUBLISHED 01/08/24}

The Legacy of a Gentleman

On 31st July 2024, keepers said their final goodbyes to Penh, our beloved binturong. Penh had been a cherished member of our animal family since 2010 and lived to the grand old age of 18. Penh was one of just 3 Cambodian binturongs in European Zoos. A true gentleman, lover of tomatoes, and a sweet and gentle soul, he will be terribly missed by his keepers and our visitors.

But Penh’s legacy will live on - as his passing brings a new partnership with the charity Nature's SAFE. Thanks to the incredible work of Nature’s SAFE, Penh’s genetic footprint will be cryogenically preserved to aid the future survival of his species.

Nature’s SAFE can be a lifeline for endangered species

For species vulnerable to extinction, every animal loss matters. However, advancing technology now allows us to preserve the genetic heritage of each animal long after they have passed.

Nature’s SAFE, one of the world’s first living biobanks, can be a lifeline for endangered species. The extinction rate today is alarmingly high, and while there is broad recognition of the need to conserve physical habitats, there is equal need to preserve the genetic diversity of animal populations. As populations decline, the genetic diversity necessary for species survival is at risk.

After an animal passes, or during routine veterinary procedures such as castration, Nature’s SAFE staff work alongside veterinarians to secure cells and cell tissues to store in their biobank. Using advanced scientific techniques, they are able to keep cells frozen in a viable living state, so that they can be thawed and used practically in endangered species breeding programmes. This approach includes the cryopreservation of sperm, reproductive, and skin cells from deceased animals, which can be used to restore lost genetic diversity and bolster populations.

Their work as the EAZA Biobank’s UK-based cryopreservation partner is pivotal in protecting biodiversity. Their long-term goal is ambitious but vital: to cryobank 50 genetically distinct individuals from each species to prevent extinction.

As EAZA Biobank’s UK-based cryopreservation partner, Nature’s SAFE works with zoos and wildlife rescue centres to secure the future of animal biodiversity. Nature’s SAFE acts an insurance policy to prevent extinction.

As a charity, Nature’s SAFE provides sample storage free of charge at their state-of-the-art facilities. Each conservation partner maintains ownership of all samples they have stored in the biobank.

With permission, Nature’s SAFE may use some samples from lesser threatened species to conduct innovative research to ensure live cells of each tissue type can be safely thawed and cultured.

Over 30 zoos and wildlife parks across the UK trust Nature’s SAFE to support their conservation goals. The partnership between Nature’s SAFE and Drusillas embodies our shared commitment to conservation. By combining our expertise and resources, we can make a significant impact on the survival of endangered species. The loss of Penh is of great sadness, but through this collaboration, his genetic legacy will live on, contributing to the conservation of binturongs for years to come.

Together, we are ensuring that future generations will continue to witness the wonderful diversity of the natural world.

Read more about the incredible work Nature's SAFE do here www.natures-safe.com.