Antonia the ferret becomes first cloned animal of an endangered species to successfully produce offspring in US

Summary

In a groundbreaking achievement, a cloned black-footed ferret named Antonia has become the first cloned endangered animal in the U.S. to successfully produce offspring.

Antonia, cloned from 1988 tissue samples of a ferret named Willa, gave birth to three kits, two of which—Red Cloud and Sibert—are healthy.

This milestone is celebrated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservation partners.

The introduction of Antonia’s genetically diverse offspring could enhance the species’ genetic diversity and contribute to its long-term recovery.