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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