# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeJvEXLF9pK
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71333324-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/bbc3f5c7c1.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-06T12:01:03.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

As we mark Day 3 of #ScienceLiteracyWeek, we’re taking a closer look at the fascinating world of Reproductive Sciences and the important role it plays in wildlife conservation at your Toronto Zoo 🧬

Your Toronto Zoo and parks.canada researchers recently published a perspective article in the journal, Conservation Science and Practice, highlighting the importance of integrating cryobanks into conservation frameworks to better protect at-risk species. 

While conventional conservation framework strategies such as habitat protection, threat mitigation, and population monitoring are critical for species protection, these approaches can fall short for many wildlife species whose reduced populations require innovative approaches to reverse declining trends. 

The article describes how conservation cryobanks can serve as a complementary approach to conventional conservation frameworks by serving as genetic safeguards of frozen biological material (e.g. sperm, eggs, somatic cells). These viable frozen reproductive and somatic cells can be used with assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) such as artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization to maintain genetic diversity of populations across geographic and temporal scales. 

The article proposes a five-part workflow for integrating cryobanking into species recovery planning that includes: 1) assessing the genetic status of populations and identifying priority targets for cryobanking, 2) implementing conventional conservation actions such as habitat protection, 3) preserving genetic diversity through cryopreservation of cells and tissues, 4) integrating cryobanked material into recovery frameworks through activities such as ex-situ breeding, and 5) monitoring outcomes and refining strategies. In all steps of the workflow, Indigenous Partnerships are embedded to involve cultural guidance, ethical oversight, shared decision making, benefit-sharing, and co-governance of genetic resources.

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## Tags

scienceliteracyweek

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