Current Projects
In order to understand the consequences of the catastrophic decline in biodiversity, scientific research needs access to current and historic information and biological material for species in decline. Many institutions have frozen collections of biological materials, including museums, zoos, wildlife organisations, breed societies, universities, research institutes and individuals. Biobanks such as the Frozen Ark and those of its partners/consortium members worldwide allow scientists to organise, manage and protect those samples. The Frozen Ark’s Vision and Mission, as set out above, is to ensure that this material is made available and utilised for vital conservation of the planet.
Ongoing investment is required by the charity to collect and retain material in a coordinated fashion for the future and to develop the skilled workforce required. Work has begun through the NHLF supported UK National Archive in order to address this urgent need to consolidate, safeguard and rehabilitate existing samples. Alongside this is the need to communicate the importance and urgency of this heritage to the wider population as well as to those directly working with it.
The Frozen Ark works closely with a range of Partners and Consortium members in the UK. It is planned that the Frozen Ark network, both in the UK and abroad, will be widened through both public outreach work and wider awareness-raising within the conservation community, including emerging organisations that are focusing on climate change and its impact. Specialist liaison will continue to be through the British Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA), the UK scientific community (university laboratories and research institutes) and museums throughout the UK.
Alongside our internal development of our organisational design, governance and fundraising activity, we have established a series of current projects and objectives focused on advancing the delivery of our core aims.
Frozen Ark’s Delivery Activities
The Virtual Ark
What would a ‘Virtual Ark’ look like? Out of 15,000+ animals threatened with extinction, which ones would you save?
And … just what is a ‘biobank’?
The Virtual Ark will explore these questions; highlight the wonder – and vulnerability – of our extraordinary ‘animal heritage’ and offer guidance as to what we can do to help safeguard the future of these amazing creatures.
Award winning artist Paul Evans is working with writer/illustrator Rowena Sommerville, The Frozen Ark biobank and Our Big Picture to deliver online creative workshops in schools and communities throughout the North of England. During these workshops participants will co-create a virtual 'gene bank' for endangered species. Drawings, poetry and models from these workshops will then be submitted to Human VR’s Sheffield-based studio where they will be expertly rendered into beautiful 360 degree digital artwork that will be available to download – and suitable for all devices – later in 2021.
#ARKS21stCentury
Engaging the public in our planet’s endangered animals’ conservation challenges and the scientific focus of the Frozen Ark.