Scientists at University of
Georgia’s Bioscience Center are building a frozen zoo in hopes of saving many
endangered species. The scientists are specifically focusing on saving
endangered big cats and white rhinos. Advanced technology allows scientists to
extract stem cells from the skin of sedated animals. These stem cells are then
turned into sperm or eggs where a surrogate of a similar breed can carry them. Scientists
have successfully experimented on mice, pigs, and Sumatran tigers. Many big
cats are at a point where they are breeding with their brothers and sisters
because the gene pool has shrunk.
Scientists believe that genes are
immortal. One could go 20, 30, 200 years, thaw stem cells, and still turn them
into sperm or eggs. This research is being funded through interactive funding
because scientists believe that this is a cause people will support and is
being funded.
This technology is enabling
scientists to save an multiple species of animals that would otherwise just
vanish from the earth. Future generations will be able to see and experience
animals that would otherwise be a distant memory. The earth is suffering and it
is our job to figure out a way to help. This new technology is one way to
prevent extinction. We can’t save animals as quickly as the environment is crumbling.
Many are frustrated with this
approach though. Some believe scientists should be pouring the money into
creating a better environment for the animals tat are still living as opposed
to ‘cloning’ them and focusing on their deaths.
While there are arguments for both
sides of this conversation, I believe this technological advancement will
benefit society and science. There are approximately seven white rhinos left in
the world. The Frozen Zoo contains cells from about thirteen rhinos; a larger
gene pool than the currently surviving population. We are giving hope to
animals that are dying off at alarming rates and cannot reproduce to save
themselves quick enough.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/02/us/gallery/frozen-zoo/index.html
I agree that it is very important to protect endangered species. We live in a world where technology is advancing rapidly. From your post, it seems as if the technology provides a successful means of preserving endangered species that may also be better than breeding.Even though some scientist are angry that we aren't "creating a better environment for animals", in this advanced technological world, I don't see why it would hurt to use our technology if it provides better results than breathing and preserving the environment.
ReplyDeleteI think that this "frozen zoo" is extremely interesting. I think it is comforting to know that we can prevent species from becoming extinct. However, there are some significant implications with this. "A big problem in zoos is that they’ll have only four or five animals of a species. When the population is small and you have limited genetic diversity, you have health problems when you start breeding." (- See more at: http://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/can-uga-scientists-save-endangered-big-cats-with-a-frozen-zoo/#sthash.QuWVk6ny.dpuf) These health implications would call to question the ethical implications of breeding animals with serious health issues, as they would suffer. This leads to further concern, especially when thinking about whether or not animals with health issues could further continue the species successfully (whether it is naturally or again through these frozen zoos). Furthermore, as pointed out, people may want to focus on saving animals that are already alive, and the continuing to preserve a healthy environment, which effects not only animals, but humans as well.
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