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©Chester Zoo
the poo-zoo team?
Professor Suzannah Williams' team, in collaboration with Chester Zoo and Revive & Restore, are developing a non-invasive technique for viable cell collection and culture across multiple endangered species, pioneering efforts to help prevent extinction.
Why?
Many animals, from snow leopards to sea turtles, face extinction. The idea is to harness cells shed from their intestines, which can remain viable if the dung is fresh. These cells could help increase genetic variation within species, improving their chances of survival.
Lead researcher Prof. Suzannah Williams and her team have successfully isolated live cells from animal dung, including that of elephants and mice. The cells could potentially be cultured to create sperm and eggs, offering a new method for assisted reproductive technologies, like cloning and IVF.
The hope is that this “genetic rescue” approach could help species thrive by boosting genetic diversity and allowing for gene editing to improve resilience against disease and environmental changes.
The technique is non-invasive, offering an advantage over traditional methods of collecting genetic material. However, challenges remain, such as the need to filter bacteria from the dung and the complexity of animal reproduction. Despite this, the team is optimistic that the poo zoo could become a powerful tool in wildlife conservation alongside traditional methods.
While some experts stress the importance of habitat preservation, others see the potential of new technologies like the poo zoo to play a vital role in saving species on the brink of extinction.
It's very, very early stages, but so far, it's feeling very positive.- Prof. Suzannah Williams
leading the project: The Team at Nuffield Dept of Women's & Reproductive Health
For further information
Please visit the Poo Zoo Research Group page
In the press & other links
- CNN article: This ‘Poo Zoo’ is harvesting living cells from animal dung
- The Guardian: Animal poo can be used to save endangered species from extinction, research finds
- The Independent: Animal poo could hold key to saving endangered species, research suggests
- CBBC Newsround: An animal 'poo zoo' could help protect endangered species
- Chester Zoo: The serious side of Poo Zoo
- Awarded Project: Poo Zoo
Join Us in Creating Impact: How can you help
To help maximise the impact of the Poo Zoo research, we rely on the generous support of donors like you. Your contribution is vital in advancing this groundbreaking project and driving meaningful discoveries. If you'd like to learn more about how you can make a difference, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Suzannah.Williams@wrh.ox.ac.uk , the project lead
For media enquiries, please email suzannah.williams@wrh.ox.ac.uk and rob.phillips@wrh.ox.ac.uk