Oliver RYDER

Dr. Oliver Ryder is the Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA). He oversees research activities in biobanking, molecular genetics, genomics studies, and genetic rescue efforts, including stem cell applications, that are focused on reducing extinction risk and contributing to species recovery and sustainable populations. He received a PhD in Biology from the University of California, San Diego, where he is now an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology. His contributions include key studies relevant to conservation efforts for gorillas, California condors, Przewalski’s horses, black-footed ferrets, Anegada iguanas, bighorn sheep, Pacific pocket mice, and other species. He is a founding Co-chair of the Animal Biobanking for Conservation Specialist Group of the SSC-IUCN.