To guarantee the survival of endangered species and to complement
breeding programs in the wild or captivity (zoos), the AGSRCA has
established a living frozen zoo.
The living frozen zoo preserves reproductive cells, (semen, embryos,
ovaries et cetera) and genetic material in a frozen state, at -196°C
in liquid nitrogen. Here in the Gene Bank, we have rhinos, elephants,
Hairy-nosed wombats, bilbies and 100 other species.
These valuable samples have been collected, processed and frozen
and can be stored for years before being used for breeding, research
or investigations of diseases. The AGSRCA becomes the custodian
of these samples at the Centre’s facilities; they remain the
property of the organisations or persons who submitted them to the
AGSRCA
The AGSRCA is an important member of the international UK Frozen
Ark (www.frozenark.org). The Frozen Ark is an international network
of gene banks focused on the conservation of all endangered species
through the collection and storage of DNA and reproductive cells.
The Frozen Ark’s goal is to direct, facilitate, educate and
encourage world wide co-operation to preserve the genetics of our
wildlife..
The AGSRCA has designed and developed GeneSearch,
a computerised database where critical information is stored. The
program records and reports on the collection, quality, preservation
and dissemination of genetic material. GeneSearch has
the capacity to form
a network linking gene banks around the world for international
conservation of wildlife.
Details of GeneSearch
Database program is available on request,
please contact
ian.gunn@med.monash.edu.au
Australian Athletic legend Mr Ron Clarke is the patron of the
NACG. Ron is famous for his world record breaking long distance
running. Ron has maintained an interest in business and eco-tourism
and he is the President of the Council for the Encouragement
of
Philanthropy in Australia .
Ron Clarke brings tremendous knowledge of international
leadership, wisdom and an established reputation for supporting
Australian conservation.
