Tom Brady Clones Dog Lua: NFL Star’s New Pet Revealed

Tom Brady Clones Beloved Dog Lua, Sparking debate on Pet Cloning and De-Extinction

A new chapter in pet companionship – and biotechnology – unfolded this week as former NFL quarterback Tom Brady revealed the arrival of Junie, a clone of his late dog, Lua, who passed away in December 2023. The proclamation coincided with news of a strategic collaboration between colossal Biosciences,a company in which Brady is an investor,and the former athlete to advance cloning technologies.

A Second Chance at Companionship

Brady shared that he was motivated to clone Lua, a pit bull mix he shared with his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, and their children, after experiencing the profound loss of his cherished pet. “I love my animals. They are the most critically important thing to me and my family,” Brady stated. He explained that he proactively preserved a blood sample from Lua “a few years ago” using colossal’s non-invasive cloning technology, allowing for the eventual creation of Junie.

The process, according to brady, “gave my family a second chance” with his beloved Lua. Bündchen also publicly mourned Lua’s passing in December 2023, posting a heartfelt farewell on Instagram alongside photos with their children, benjamin rein, 15, and Vivian Lake, 12. “Our little Lulu,our guardian angel,has gone to heaven,” she wrote.

Did you know? – Cloning doesn’t create an exact replica of a pet’s personality. While Junie shares Lua’s genetic makeup, habitat and upbringing significantly influence behavior.

The Science Behind the Clone

The cloning was made possible through a partnership between Colossal Biosciences, based in Dallas, and Viagen Pets and Equine, a company specializing in cloning domestic animals. Viagen has a history of high-profile cloning projects, including Samantha, a clone of Barbra Streisand’s dog in 2017, and Diamond Baby, cloned for Paris Hilton.

On Tuesday, November 4, Viagen announced its acquisition by Colossal, revealing that it holds “exclusive licenses and access to innovative technologies” developed by the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh – the same institute responsible for cloning Dolly the sheep in the late 1990s.

Brady expressed his excitement about the combined potential of both companies, stating he is “excited about how Colossal and Viagen’s technology together can help both families who lose their beloved pets, while also helping to save endangered species.”

Pro tip: – somatic cell nuclear transfer is the cloning method used. It involves transferring the nucleus of a donor cell into an egg cell that has had its own nucleus removed.

Beyond Pets: De-Extinction and Conservation

While pet cloning has garnered attention,Colossal Biosciences has broader ambitions. The company is actively pursuing “de-extinction” projects, aiming to recreate extinct species. In April, they unveiled an initiative to bring back the giant wolf, and in September, announced progress in their attempt to resurrect the dodo.

Viagen’s expertise in cloning, combined with Colossal’s genetic engineering capabilities, positions the companies at the forefront of these enterprising endeavors

Reader question: – What ethical considerations should guide the use of de-extinction technologies, and how do we balance potential benefits with unforeseen consequences?

Here’s a news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:

Why: Former NFL quarterback Tom brady cloned his late dog, Lua, to cope with grief and provide his family with a companion resembling their beloved pet. the move also highlights the growing capabilities and ambitions of biotechnology companies like Colossal Biosciences and Viagen Pets and Equine.

Who: Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, and their children were directly involved as the family sought to recreate their dog. Colossal Biosciences and Viagen Pets and