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Investment sought for $5.9 million cloning centre to bring back mammoths and other extinct species

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30 August 2018

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Investment sought for $5.9 million cloning centre to bring back mammoths and other extinct species

The 400 million rouble paleo-genetic scientific centre will aim to study extinct animals from living cells - and to restore such creatures as the woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, cave lion and breeds of long-gone horses.

The proposal will be presented by the Northern-Eastern Federal University (NEFU) in Yakutsk, which is already deeply involved in collaborative cloning work with scientists in South Korea. 

Acting rector Evgenia Mikhailova plans a ‘world-class paleo-genetic scientific centre’ and support has been promised by the regional government of Sakha repubic, also known as Yakutia, say reports.

Putin visits Mammoth Museum in Yakutsk

Semyon Grigoryev (first from left) with Vladimir Putin and acting rector Evgenia Mikhailova (first from the right)

Some 80% of unique samples of Pleistocene and Holocene animals with preserved soft tissues have been found in this region. 

They are preserved for tens of thousands of years by permafrost. 

Plans have already been drawn up that would involve laboratories sunk into permafrost to work with samples from many different extinct species. 

Expert Dr Lena Grigorieva said: ‘There is no such unique material anywhere else in the world.’

The university has existing close cooperation with South Korean SOOAM Biotech Research Foundation, said Dr Grogorieva, leading researcher of the International Centre for Collective Use ‘Molecular Paleontology’ of the NEFU’s Institute of Applied Ecology of the North.

Mammoth trunk


Paleogenetic laboratory


Paleogenetic laboratory


Semyon Grigoryev takes samples

 International Centre for Collective Use ‘Molecular Paleontology’ of the NEFU’s Institute of Applied Ecology of the North. 

'We study not only Pleistocene animals, another line is the study of the history of settlement of the North-East of Russia,’ she said. 

‘Northern ethnic groups have a unique ancient genetic structure. 

‘Such studies will help in the study of rare genetic diseases, their diagnosis, prevention.’

The South Korean laboratory is led by Professor Hwang Woo-Suk who has previously praised President Vladimir Putin for his support for research in this field. 

South Korean specialist hails opening of new World Mammoth Centre in Siberia, dedicated to bringing beast back to life.


South Korean specialist hails opening of new World Mammoth Centre in Siberia, dedicated to bringing beast back to life.


Perfectly-preserved ancient foal is shown to the world for the first time


Perfectly-preserved ancient foal is shown to the world for the first time

Malolyakhovsky mammoth's carcass on the sledges. Malolyakhovsky mammoth's blood. Ancient foal found in Batagai crater. 

The forum to be held in Vladivostok 11-13 September is aimed at sparking investment in eastern Russia. 

Putin said ahead of this year’s session: ‘Russia has currently ensured the most comfortable conditions for attracting advanced technologies and creating new innovative industries. 

‘The special economic zones are advanced special economic zones of the Far East offer foreign investors tax preferences and a simplified administrative regime with infrastructure being modernised at the government’s expense.’

Comments (11)

Didn't you know that "Russia is a Motherland of elephants"?
Olgha, USA
15/08/2019 04:34
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That “ancient foal” is just that...an equine foal, not a mammoth calf. Look at the hooves, the ears, and the shape of the head.
Joseph, USA
11/05/2019 11:04
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Why? Who will this help? All that money would be much better served to perform research on how to cure Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, or a multitude of other diseases that impact the lives of people. Shame on you!
Louise, Occupational Therapist, USA
11/05/2019 10:53
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I think its awesome that they found the Willow Mammoth. But I think it is not right to play God! and bring these Animals back. What is your plan? Do you really want to know what disease they died from? Or you jus want to see if you can play God! I Hope your intentions are for good.
Debra, Washington state
17/01/2019 07:50
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Ppl used to turn unstoppable when their reputation's rise get in sight. This helps us to develope and makes us scared of what brings the tomorrow. As we dont know the consequences of this they dont know neither. It can help to save species from disappearing, probably, but may leads to an idiot new thing we cant even imagine yet. Thats life in a way. We must accept that there is some risk always around, I would like to see a real mammut, hehe.
Viktor, Hungary
07/09/2018 14:49
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Who will buy the hay?
sme, usa
01/09/2018 19:45
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If they succeed, can you imagine what kind of life for these animals? They won't be in the wild. They'll be caged. They will be sought after and killed or stolen. They're gone. Leave them that way. It will be of no service to them to bring them back.
Sarah, Colorado
01/09/2018 03:38
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I would like to congratulation them. I hope they will able to realize their plan, our common heritage.
Gábor Debrődi, Hungary
31/08/2018 13:02
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Mammoth steaks are a delicacy..
me, home
31/08/2018 08:47
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Please don't Jurasic Park seriously - it was just a Sci Fi Hollywood movie ,
Russia Man, Russia
31/08/2018 03:21
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I just realized that I REALLY need a pet Mammoth and a pet saber-toothed tiger.
Furrystoat, Seattle, USA
30/08/2018 23:05
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6
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