Tom Brady’s Controversial Choice: Cloning His Beloved Dog
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady has entered the forefront of biotechnology debates after revealing that his new dog, Junie, is a genetic clone of Lua, his late pit bull mix. This revelation places one of the world’s most famous athletes at the heart of the growing—and controversial—commercial market for pet cloning.
Brady, an advisor and investor in Texas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences, shared that Junie was created through a non-invasive blood draw taken before Lua’s passing in late 2023. “Colossal provided my family with a second chance to cherish the essence of our beloved dog,” said Brady in an interview with ABC News.
The Science of Cloning: How It Works
Brady’s cloned pup, Junie, was produced using Viagen’s advanced pet cloning technology. Colossal recently acquired Viagen, a firm renowned for its expertise in cloning companion animals. Viagen’s groundbreaking technology was historically linked to the cloning of Dolly the sheep, a monumental scientific achievement in 1996. The company’s services have since extended into cloning pets for high-profile clients like Paris Hilton and Barbra Streisand.
The cloning process involves extracting genetic material from the original animal and embedding it into an egg cell. The cell is then nurtured into an embryo and implanted into a surrogate animal. According to Colossal, the process is safe, and cloned pets live the same lifespan as naturally born animals.
Ethical Concerns: Are We ‘Playing God’?
The rise of pet cloning has sparked significant ethical debates. Critics, including organizations like PETA and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), argue that cloning raises questions about animal welfare and conservation priorities. Developing a clone involves a high rate of embryonic loss, failed pregnancies, and neonatal deaths. This, they say, underlines the potential suffering associated with the process.
Furthermore, animal rights groups point out the stark contrast between cloning pets at exorbitant costs while animal shelters worldwide are overwhelmed with millions of adoptable animals awaiting a home. “Cloning is an unnecessary waste of lives, time, and resources,” said a PETA spokesperson.
The Bigger Mission: Conservation Through Biotechnology
Despite the criticism, Colossal Biosciences argues that cloning technologies extend beyond pet replacement. The company is spearheading efforts to bring extinct or endangered species back to life, including its work on “de-extincting” dire wolves and other species. Utilizing genetic materials and ancient DNA, Colossal aims to restore ecosystems and work towards biodiversity preservation—a mission they frame as critical in the face of accelerating species extinction.
“We play God every day when we ignore the decline of biodiversity,” said Colossal founder Ben Lamm in defense of the company’s work. Lamm and his team emphasize that their cloning technology is not just about creating genetic replicas but also about advancing conservation science through innovation and collaboration with indigenous communities and conservation groups.
Should You Clone Your Pet?
If Brady’s story inspires pet lovers to clone their pets, it’s essential to consider the ethical, emotional, and financial implications of the decision. Cloning a pet can cost upwards of $50,000, and while companies like Viagen ensure quality of life, prospective clients must weigh the potential risks and the broader consequences on animal welfare.
Related Product: Preserve Your Pet’s Memories
For those seeking to celebrate the memory of a beloved pet without diving into cloning, consider commemorative products like Pawprints Forever customized pet portraits. These keepsakes offer a heartfelt way to remember your pet while promoting adoption and shelter support for animals in need.