A WHITCHURCH charity has joined forces with Paignton Zoo to save animal species at risk of extinction.

Nature SAFE is one of Europe's first living biobanks dedicated to preserving endangered animals.

They use storage techniques which enable multiple tissue and reproductive cell samples to be stored in a living state at -196 degrees celcius from their laboratory. When thawed these cells can be used in cell culture or in assisted reproductive technologies to create pregnancies in endangered species.

The new partnership with Paignton Zoo has delighted the charity.

Co-founder and charity co-ordinator, Dr Rhiannon Bolton said: "Nature’s SAFE is delighted to be working with Paignton Zoo.

"With so many animals at risk of extinction, collaboration to achieve a common goal is vital.

"This new partnership will enable us to save even more animals from extinction."

Nature SAFE is already working with Chester Zoo and the Rhino Fertility Project at the University of Oxford and is supported by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.

The charity would like to invite other UK based zoos to collaborate on this project.

For any more information contact office@natures-safe.com