India’s first ‘bio bank’ in a zoo is operational at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling Zoo) in West Bengal.

• The facility is set up in partnership with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• More bio banks are planned for other zoos, including the National Zoo (Delhi) and Nandankanan Zoo (Odisha).

About Biobank 

• The biobank, also known as “frozen zoo”.
• It collects and preserves DNA, cell, and tissue samples from endangered species and reproductive cells from deceased animals.
  • Till date, samples from 60 animals of 23 species have been collected by this facility.
• Cryogenic Storage: Samples are preserved at -196°C in liquid nitrogen to maintain genetic diversity.

State Biobank in India

• There are 19 registered biobanks in India host to many biological specimens, including cancer cell lines and tissues.
• Earlier this year, the ‘Genome India‘ programme finished sequencing 10,000 genomes from 99 ethnic groups, to identify treatments for rare genetic diseases, among others.
  • The pan-India ‘Phenome India’ project has collected 10,000 samples to create better prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases. 
• The Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders (PRaGeD) mission could help identify new genes or variants to develop targeted therapies for genetic diseases that affect children.
• However, biobank regulations in India are a significant hurdle to realising the full potential of precision medicine.

Significance of a Biobank in a Zoo

• Conservation of Endangered Species: Helps preserve genetic material of species on the verge of extinction, ensuring their survival in the future.
• Potential for Species Revival : Stored DNA and reproductive cells can be used in advanced biotechnological processes like cloning to bring back extinct or critically endangered species.
• Genetic Diversity Preservation: Maintaining a diverse gene pool prevents inbreeding and genetic disorders in captive breeding programs.
• Support for Research & Medicine: Scientists can study genetic diseases, evolutionary biology, and develop conservation strategies using preserved samples.
• Backup for Conservation Breeding Programs : Supports zoos involved in captive breeding, ensuring a secure genetic resource for rare species.
• National and Global Impact: Aligns with global conservation efforts and serves as a model for other zoos and wildlife research institutions.
• Prevention of Biodiversity Loss: By preserving genetic materials, biobanks contribute to maintaining biodiversity even if species decline in the wild.

Ethical Implications in Establishing a Biobank

• Informed Consent & Ownership: Determining rightful ownership of stored samples and ensuring informed consent from donors is challenging.
• Privacy & Data Security: Sensitive genetic information must be protected against misuse, discrimination, or unauthorized access.
• Fair Access & Benefit Sharing: Equitable use of biobank resources, especially concerning indigenous communities and biodiversity hotspots, must be ensured.
• Animal Welfare Concerns: Ethical handling of reproductive material from deceased or endangered animals requires clear guidelines.

Suggestions to Avoid Ethical Conflicts

• Robust Legal Framework: Implement comprehensive laws to regulate consent, data protection, and sample ownership.
• Transparency & Public Engagement: Foster trust through open communication and stakeholder involvement in decision-making.
• Ethical Oversight Committees: Establish independent review boards to monitor and address ethical concerns.
• International Collaboration: Align biobanking policies with global best practices to ensure ethical and scientific integrity.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

• Largest high altitude zoo in India. 
• Specialises in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions, and has successful captive (conservation) breeding programs for species including:
  • Red panda (Endangered )
  • Snow leopard (Vulnerable)
  • Himalayan wolf (Vulnerable)