Advancing Conservation with Non-Invasive Cell Collection
This NDWRH Research Group, led by Professor Suzannah Williams, operates within our Reproductive Medicine & Genetics theme.
Research Group: Poo-Zoo
What is poo-zoo?
Professor Suzannah Williams and the 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 this project is important?
Over a million species are on the path to extinction. Wild spaces cannot thrive without diverse animal populations, yet species numbers are dramatically declining.
Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilisation, are valuable tools that complement traditional conservation efforts to help prevent extinction.
However, with countless species on the brink of extinction, and each requiring species-specific optimisation, there is not enough time to develop these technologies for every at-risk animal.
Live biobanking is therefore vital to prevent extinction. It allows more time for technologies to be optimised while genetic diversity is safely cryogenically stored.
However, collecting living cells from endangered species is complicated and often invasive - Poo Zoo aims to solve this problem.
Developing a non-invasive cell collection method will allow for the sampling of a greater number of individuals, preserving genetic diversity and supporting the conservation of viable species populations, thus helping to prevent extinction. - Prof. Suzannah Williams
How does it work?
Live intestinal cells are naturally shed into feces daily, providing a non-invasive alternative to biopsies for cell collection.
At the University of Oxford, we are working with domestic species to refine and optimise cell isolation and culture techniques, with the ultimate goal of reprogramming these cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. In parallel, using fecal samples from endangered animals at Chester Zoo, we aim to develop protocols for collecting viable intestinal cells from various species.
Developing a non-invasive cell collection method will allow for the sampling of a greater number of individuals, preserving genetic diversity and supporting the conservation of viable species populations, thus helping to prevent extinction.
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©Chester Zoo
How can we help?
To safeguard biodiversity, preserving living cells from endangered species at ultra-low temperatures—biobanking—is essential.
However, obtaining these cells typically requires invasive biopsies or post-mortem tissue collection, severely limiting the number of samples and, consequently, genetic diversity.
The Poo Zoo project aims to overcome this challenge by developing a non-invasive alternative for cell collection from living animals, using techniques that can be applied en masse, ensuring broader genetic representation and enhancing conservation efforts.
Useful links
Reproductive Medicine and Genetics
Our Reproductive Medicine & Genetics research covers the following research groups: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART); Endometriosis; Fertility Preservation; Miscarriage; Oocytes and Ovaries; Pain in Women; Rhino Fertility Project and Sperm.
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©Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo
NDWRH are working in collaboration with Chester Zoo on the Poo Zoo project, led by Professor Suzannah Williams and her team.
Rhino Fertility Project
A WRH research group led by Prof Suzannah Williams under the Reproductive Medicine and Genetics Theme.
Latest publications
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Advancing stem cell technologies for conservation of wildlife biodiversity.
Journal article
Hutchinson AM. et al, (2024), Development, 151
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Cloning for the Twenty-First Century and Its Place in Endangered Species Conservation.
Journal article
Cowl VB. et al, (2024), Annu Rev Anim Biosci, 12, 91 - 112
Leading the research
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Janet (Hoi Chi) Kwan
Research Assistant in Ovary Tissue Culture
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Rhiannon Bolton
Postdoctoral Research Associate
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 inquiries, please email us at communications@wrh.ox.ac.uk. Your support truly makes a difference, and we look forward to hearing from you.