CryoVault V2

OUR MISSION

The Cryovault is a pioneering biobank dedicated to the long-term preservation of viable biomaterials from African rhinoceroses, with the goal of safeguarding genetic diversity as a form of “genetic back-up.” In addition to biobanking, the Cryovault actively supports scientific research to advance and integrate assisted reproductive technologies (ART) into rhinoceros conservation strategies.

The Cryovault is a pioneering biobank dedicated to the long-term preservation of viable biomaterials from African rhinoceroses, with the goal of safeguarding genetic diversity as a form of “genetic back-up.” In addition to biobanking, the Cryovault actively supports scientific research to advance and integrate assisted reproductive technologies (ART) into rhinoceros conservation strategies.

Its core objectives include:

  • Securing genetic material from as many individual rhinoceroses as possible
  • Developing and refining field-adapted ART techniques for use in conservation programs
  • Promoting knowledge transfer and capacity-building through scientific collaboration and training
  • Enabling the future use of preserved samples to enhance the genetic diversity of at-risk rhinoceros populations

CURRENT STATE

Since 2018, the Cryovault team has been opportunistically collecting semen and other biomaterials from African rhinoceroses for long-term cryopreservation. To facilitate the integration of semen collection and preservation within the timeframe of routine wildlife management interventions — such as dehorning or ear-notching, which require chemical immobilization — we have successfully developed field-adapted, time-efficient procedures and specialized equipment. Additionally, modifications to the standard immobilization protocols have been rigorously tested and optimized to enhance the success of these procedures.

To date, viable semen samples from more than 40 free-ranging and game-farmed black and white rhinoceroses have been cryopreserved, along with other biomaterials including tissue, whole blood, serum, and seminal plasma.

Since 2021, our work has expanded to include female genetics: by ovum pick-up (OPU) technique (egg aspiration) has been performed in > 40 female white rhinoceroses. This effort is part of a strong collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria, aimed at producing rhinoceros embryos through in vitro fertilization as part of advanced assisted reproduction strategies.