Scientists Successfully Clone First US Endangered Species, A Black-Footed Ferret
Scientists in a groundbreaking feat have cloned the first U.S. endangered species for the first time, a black-footed ferret duplicated from the frozen genes of an animal that died over 30 years ago. The clone, named Elizabeth Ann was revealed to the world on Thursday by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Fort Collins, Colorado. FWS coordinator Pete Gober said “You might have been handling a black-footed ferret kit and then they try to take your finger off the next day,” “She’s holding her own.” "Genomics revealed the genetic value that Willa could bring to her species," added Ryan Phelan, the executive director of conservation organization Revive & Restore, which was involved in the project.