With recent technological advances, the resurrection of extinct species may be becoming a reality.
On Jan. 10, CBS’ 60 Minutes aired a story titled “Could Extinct Species Make a Comeback?” The story concentrated on the success of Pennsylvania State University scientists in decoding the entire genome of an extinct wooly mammoth and the possibility of resurrecting extinct species through genetic engineering. 
Genetic engineering, a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA of a living organism, may make extinct species resurrection possible by altering the DNA of a related existing specimen, according to Sean Carroll, a professor of genetics and molecular biology at the University of Wisconsin. Though Carroll said this technique is not yet possible, cloning may be.
An article published in May 2009 by National Geographic Magazine reported that in Nov. 2008 a team led by Japanese reproductive biologist Teruhiko Wakayama successfully cloned mice that had been frozen for 16 years. They, according to the article, conjectured that the same techniques may open the door to cloning extinct species preserved in permafrost, including wooly mammoths.
Though resurrection of extinct species may be a significant scientific breakthrough, some people feel that it is simply a matter of ethics. Biology teacher Marie Tizzard said, “Where would these animals [mammoths] live? If you’re going to resurrect something you need to provide an appropriate habitat for it.”
The Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species (ACRES) in New Orleans is known to maintain “frozen zoos,” where DNA of endangered species is stored in liquid nitrogen for preservation. In Aug. 2003, the Audubon Center successfully produced a clone of an African wildcat, who they named Ditteaux, and in 2005, welcomed a total of eight kittens all naturally born from Ditteaux and female wildcat clones Madge and Caty. Though the species is not endangered, Audubon researchers claim that these clones could be helpful in developing techniques to use for species on the brink of extinction.
While these preservation methods are considered noteworthy technological progress, some feel that scientists’ pursuit may be responsible for controversial issues later down the road. Tizzard said, “If we can save endangered species, we should try but if there’s no habitat for them, then we need to make sure this isn’t just a feel good moment for people.”