Resurrecting Giants: Who Would Own a Clone Woolly Mammoth?

The idea of woolly mammoths roaming the Earth once again is no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. As scientists inch closer to resurrecting these iconic Ice Age giants through genetic engineering, a fascinating new question arises: who would own these cloned creatures?

The ethical and legal implications of bringing back extinct species are as complex as the scientific feat itself. While the prospect of experiencing these magnificent creatures in the flesh is tempting, the issue of ownership raises a host of concerns.

“It’s a very interesting question,” acknowledges Beth Shapiro, an evolutionary biologist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “We haven’t really thought about this before because we haven’t had the capability to bring back extinct species.”

Shapiro, who is involved in the mammoth de-extinction project, believes the question of ownership should be addressed proactively. “We need to think about this now, before we actually have a living Woolly Mammoth,” she emphasizes. ”

A Floating Ownership Model

While there’s no definitive answer, some experts suggest a shared ownership model could be the most feasible solution. This approach envisions the cloned mammoths being considered a global resource, with responsibility for their care and well-being shared by international organizations, researchers, and perhaps even indigenous communities in whose ancestral lands mammoths once roamed.

Professor Hank Greely, a law professor at Stanford University, proposes a “global commons” approach. “It’s not something that any one individual or corporation should own,” he argues.

“Perhaps a consortium could be formed, or perhaps an international treaty could be developed to govern their ownership and management.”

Such an arrangement aims to ensure the mammoths are not exploited for commercial gain and that their welfare is prioritized.

“We don’t want a situation where these animals are simply seen as commodities,” adds Greely.

Protecting the Clones and Preserving Their Heritage

The ethical considerations extend beyond ownership. The well-being and long-term survival of the cloned mammoths must be paramount. Creating suitable habitats for these massive animals, ensuring their social needs are met, and protecting them from potential threats are crucial considerations.

Furthermore, recognizing the cultural significance of mammoths to indigenous peoples is essential. Many indigenous communities hold deep spiritual connections to these creatures, viewing them as an important part of their ancestral heritage. Involving these communities in decision-making processes related to the mammoths’ care and management would be essential for ensuring respectful and culturally sensitive stewardship.

“It would be important to involve indigenous people in any decisions about the future of these animals,” says Shapiro.

Looking to the Future – A Mammoth Undertaking

The prospect of bringing back the woolly mammoth presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. The question of ownership is just one piece of the complex puzzle.

As we move closer to realizing this ambitious scientific endeavor, open and inclusive discussions involving scientists, ethicists, legal experts, and indigenous communities will be crucial for navigating the uncharted territory of resurrecting an extinct species.

The fate of these magnificent creatures, once lost to time, rests not only in the hands of scientists but in the collective wisdom and responsibility of humanity.

What are ​the ethical considerations surrounding the⁤ ownership ​of‍ de-extinct‌ animals?

## Resurrecting Giants: Who Would Own a Clone Woolly Mammoth?

**(Intro ​Music)**

**Host:** Welcome ‍back to the show. Today ‌we’re diving into a fascinating and complex issue arising ‍from cutting-edge science – the question of ownership⁢ when it comes⁤ to de-extincted species. Joining us today is⁣ Dr. Emma Stone, a⁣ bioethics ⁣expert⁤ from the ‍University of ‌Edinburgh. Dr. Stone,‍ thanks for being ⁤here.

**Dr.‌ Stone:** Thank you for having me.‌ It’s a⁣ pleasure to discuss this timely and important topic.

**Host:** Let’s ⁤get right to it. As we know, companies like Colossal are making remarkable progress towards bringing back the ⁤woolly mammoth. But as they‌ inch closer to success, a crucial question emerges: who ⁣would own these creatures?

**Dr. Stone:** ​ It’s a question that’s rarely⁤ been considered⁤ before, precisely because we’ve never ⁣had the⁣ technology to bring back extinct⁢ species. [[1](https://www.popsci.com/environment/colossal-de-extinction/)]As scientists like Beth Shapiro ⁣at UC Santa Cruz point out, we need‌ to address these ​ethical and⁤ legal complexities ‍now, ⁣before we ⁣have a living, breathing woolly ‌mammoth.

**Host:** So what‌ are ⁣some of ⁢the proposed solutions?

**Dr. Stone:**‍ One model​ gaining traction is a shared ownership approach. Think of it as a​ “global commons” concept [[1](https://www.popsci.com/environment/colossal-de-extinction/)], ‌ where responsibility for these animals is⁣ shared by international organizations, researchers, and perhaps even indigenous communities whose ancestors lived alongside⁣ mammoths.

**Host:** That sounds like‍ a⁣ very‍ collaborative approach. What are the potential ⁣benefits of that model?

**Dr. Stone:** ‌It aims to ensure ‌that the welfare of these animals is paramount, and prevents them ‍from becoming⁢ the property of any single entity. It also recognizes the global significance of these creatures and the need for international cooperation in their care and management.

**Host:** And are there any potential drawbacks?

**Dr. Stone:** Of course. Establishing ⁢such a complex ⁢international framework would be challenging‍ and require a lot of diplomatic ‌negotiation. There are also questions about enforcement and who would ultimately be responsible ​if things go‌ wrong.

**Host:** It certainly ​sounds like a complex ⁣issue with no easy answers. Dr. Stone, thank you ​for⁢ shedding light on this important ethical debate.‍

**Dr. Stone:** ⁣ It’s my pleasure. This conversation is just beginning, and hopefully, by raising these questions openly, we can​ ensure that the return of the woolly ⁢mammoth, if it‌ happens, is done responsibly and‍ ethically.

**(Outro‌ Music)**