Cloned black-footed ferret gives birth in conservation breakthrough

A cloned black-footed ferret named Antonia has given birth to kits, marking the first time a cloned endangered species has produced offspring. This development aims to enhance genetic diversity in a population that has faced severe inbreeding issues. Antonia is a clone of Willa, whose genetic material was preserved since 1988. The birth of her kits is seen as a significant step in conservation efforts for black-footed ferrets, which were once thought extinct in the wild. Currently, two of Antonia's kits are healthy, while one did not survive. The kits will remain at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, contributing to ongoing breeding programs for the species.