Petroc Joins Global Conservation Effort Through Partnership with Nature’s SAFE

Petroc’s Animal Care Centre has officially joined forces with Nature’s SAFE, a leading conservation organisation working to safeguard endangered species through advanced genetic preservation. The new partnership places Petroc alongside some of the world’s most respected conservation institutions, including Paignton Zoo, ZSL, and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

Nature’s SAFE is a living biobank dedicated to collecting and cryopreserving genetic samples from threatened and endangered species. With an estimated 45,300 species at risk of extinction, the organisation’s work is a race against time to preserve the planet’s biodiversity. By partnering with educational institutions like Petroc, Nature’s SAFE is expanding its reach and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.

The Petroc Animal Care Centre is home to several at-risk species, some even listed as critically endangered. As part of the collaboration, Petroc students will collect tissue samples from select animals, fill out detailed documentation, and send the samples to Nature’s SAFE for secure storage. While many of the samples will be collected from deceased animals, staff take pride in knowing that these creatures will continue to contribute to conservation science long after their lifespans, helping educate and inspire future generations.

This partnership offers a unique opportunity for our students, they’re not just learning about genetics, conservation, and veterinary science, they’re actively contributing to global efforts to save endangered species.

It’s hands-on experience with real-world impact.

Behind the scenes, Petroc’s skilled Animal Care technicians have played a vital role in making this partnership possible.

It was during the UK Animal Care Technicians (UKACT) conference in 2024 that technicians and staff first learned about Nature’s SAFE. Following a presentation and conversation with the charity, Petroc’s team began compiling a list of notable species in their care. Their enthusiasm and dedication helped drive the collaboration forward, leading to a formal partnership after months of careful planning and coordination.

The technician team is the backbone of our centre, their attention to detail, knowledge of our species, and commitment to conservation are what make partnerships like this not only possible but successful.

As a now-recognised partner of Nature’s SAFE, Petroc joins a growing network of institutions committed to ensuring that the animals we share our planet with today are not lost to future generations. Through this meaningful collaboration, Petroc continues to lead by example, proving that even small contributions, when combined, can make a lasting impact on global conservation.