The provided text offers a comprehensive overview of de-extinction, exploring its transformation from science fiction to a debated scientific pursuit driven by advances in genetics and cloning technologies. It differentiates between true cloning and genome editing to create "proxies," highlighting the challenges of ancient DNA preservation and the limitations of incomplete genetic blueprints. The sources then introduce key players like Colossal Biosciences and Revive & Restore, detailing their projects such as the woolly mammoth and passenger pigeon and contrasting their for-profit and non-profit models. Finally, the text thoroughly examines the ethical, ecological, financial, and legal debates surrounding de-extinction, including concerns about animal welfare, resource allocation, invasive species risk, and the profound implications for humanity's relationship with nature.

Research done with the help of artificial intelligence, and presented by two AI-generated hosts.