Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) is the national accrediting association representing institutions committed to excellence in animal welfare, conservation, and research.

Accredited Zoos and Aquariums are uniquely positioned to significantly expand wildlife biobanking in Canada. With access to a wide range of species—including those under severe threat or extinct in the wild—our institutions can collect and preserve valuable biological samples that support conservation and scientific research.

Biobanking aligns with the mission of the accredited zoo and aquarium community to sustain healthy populations and advance husbandry, veterinary, behavioral, and genetic knowledge in support of long-term biodiversity conservation.
The Canadian Museum of Nature - National Biodiversity Cryobank of Canada is the physical facility for sample storage.

Collection Coverage

Usage restrictions

Depending on sample generally not for commercial use and compiling regulations.

Access rights

Samples can be access by CAZA Institutions and researchers after review and approval of a proposal submission through the CAZA Biodiversity Biobanks Working Group.

Institution Codes

Rights

Samples submitted become the property of CMN.