Journey through the remarkable stories of species that have defied extinction through groundbreaking science and unwavering human dedication. This series examines revolutionary conservation successes through the lens of two expert hosts - a conservation scientist and a wildlife storyteller - who unpack the scientific innovations, human determination, and ecological complexities behind nature's most inspiring comebacks.
When disease decimated the last known population of black-footed ferrets, scientists froze tissue samples from a female named Willa in 1988. Decades later, these cells became the key to introducing vital genetic diversity through cloning. Our hosts explore the groundbreaking collaboration between US Fish & Wildlife Service and pet cloning company ViaGen Pets that produced Elizabeth Ann, the first cloned endangered species in North America. The episode delves into the complexities of genetic rescue, the role of artificial insemination in ferret recovery, and the ongoing challenge of saving the prairie dog ecosystems these predators depend on.
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