SCOTTISH wildcats could be included in a new “cryogenic Noah’s Ark”. Nature’s SAFE is a charity that is sailing to the rescue of the world’s most endangered species by collecting live cells from them before they become extinct. The charity, which is based in Shropshire and is working with partners including the European Association of Zoos, claims it is creating Europe’s first living biobank. “Nature’s SAFE is unique in its ability to process and live store multiple cell types from multiple endangered species,” founder Tullis Matson told the Sunday National. “There are many other biobanks in the world but unlike Nature’s SAFE, samples within these repositories are often stored in a dead state for conservation genetic research. Nature’s SAFE processes samples in a way that maintains viability. Once thawed, these living cells can be used directly in endangered species breeding programmes producing pregnancies in our most endangered animal species,
Three rare Scottish Wildcat kittens born at zoo dailyrecord.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailyrecord.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
First wildcat arrives at Highlands breeding-for-release centre as part of effort to save the species pressandjournal.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pressandjournal.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The first of 16 critically endangered wildcats has arrived at a centre which will prepare them for release into the wild.
The Saving Wildcats conservation breeding-for-release centre is located at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park, near Kingussie in the Cairngorms.
Nell, a young female, arrived from Alladale Wilderness Reserve, Ardgay, earlier this month and has settled well into the centre, which provides breeding space, veterinary care, remote monitoring and training to prepare cats for life in the wild.
It is hoped that any kittens Nell rears will be among the first cats released into the Scottish Highlands next year as part of the Saving Wildcats project to restore the species in Scotland.