Uploaded September 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Extinct animals that could live once again! These are the extinct animals that could be resurrected and the extinct species that could undergo de-extinction!
7. Thylacine
This unique animal was the most significantly sized carnivorous marsupial to be discovered in modern times. It is also referred to as the Tasmanian wolf or the Tasmanian tiger. People believe it became extinct during the 20th century. Old photographs, films, and fossil records indicate that they could grow up to 51 inches long, not including their tail, which would’ve added about 26 more inches. They were also about two feet tall and weighed up to 70 pounds; the males were more sizeable than the females. It is thought that the thylacine was a nocturnal, somewhat shy animal whose basic appearance would be akin to that of a medium-sized dog; however, it also had dark stripes on its back that are comparable to those of a tiger. The female exhibited a pouch to protect its young; but, in contrast to other marsupials, its pouch opened toward the back of the animal instead of toward the front. The thylacine’s colors would range from light beige to deep brown, and their abdomens were off-white. These creatures could also open their mouths up to 80 degrees, which is more significant than most other animals. A project to clone the Tasmanian tiger was started in 1999 by the Australian Museum in Sydney; however, there was speculation that their claim was simply a publicity stunt. In 2002, scientists were able to extract some DNA from specimens; but, cloning proved impossible as further studies determined it wasn’t usable. Nevertheless, research on the thylacine continues, and we could have a clone soon.
6. Dodo
This flightless bird inhabited the island of Mauritius and was found nowhere else in the world. There are no complete dodo specimens that exist today, so some characteristics, like its color or plumage, are difficult to pinpoint. However, written records indicate that they were greyish-brown with light feathers near their rumps; they also had green, yellow, and black beaks, black claws, and featherless, grey heads. Some fossil remains suggest that they could grow to over three feet tall, and males were larger with longer beaks. They could’ve weighed anywhere from 22 to over 60 pounds, as studies have been inconclusive overall. Although the dodo was initially thought to be a vulture, albatross, or small ostrich, studies done in 1842 by Johannes Theodor Reinhardt suggested that it was actually a ground pigeon; this research was ridiculed in the beginning but was proven true later on. The extinction of the dodo was due to human interference. They made easy prey for sailors because they couldn’t fly. Plus, as people began introduced new animals to the island, their habitat was destroyed. The last sighting of one of these birds was recorded in 1662.
Extinct animals that could live once again! These are the extinct animals that could be resurrected and the extinct species that could undergo de-extinction!
7. Thylacine
This unique animal was the most significantly sized carnivorous marsupial to be discovered in modern times. It is also referred to as the Tasmanian wolf or the Tasmanian tiger. People believe it became extinct during the 20th century. Old photographs, films, and fossil records indicate that they could grow up to 51 inches long, not including their tail, which would’ve added about 26 more inches. They were also about two feet tall and weighed up to 70 pounds; the males were more sizeable than the females. It is thought that the thylacine was a nocturnal, somewhat shy animal whose basic appearance would be akin to that of a medium-sized dog; however, it also had dark stripes on its back that are comparable to those of a tiger. The female exhibited a pouch to protect its young; but, in contrast to other marsupials, its pouch opened toward the back of the animal instead of toward the front. The thylacine’s colors would range from light beige to deep brown, and their abdomens were off-white. These creatures could also open their mouths up to 80 degrees, which is more significant than most other animals. A project to clone the Tasmanian tiger was started in 1999 by the Australian Museum in Sydney; however, there was speculation that their claim was simply a publicity stunt. In 2002, scientists were able to extract some DNA from specimens; but, cloning proved impossible as further studies determined it wasn’t usable. Nevertheless, research on the thylacine continues, and we could have a clone soon.
6. Dodo
This flightless bird inhabited the island of Mauritius and was found nowhere else in the world. There are no complete dodo specimens that exist today, so some characteristics, like its color or plumage, are difficult to pinpoint. However, written records indicate that they were greyish-brown with light feathers near their rumps; they also had green, yellow, and black beaks, black claws, and featherless, grey heads. Some fossil remains suggest that they could grow to over three feet tall, and males were larger with longer beaks. They could’ve weighed anywhere from 22 to over 60 pounds, as studies have been inconclusive overall. Although the dodo was initially thought to be a vulture, albatross, or small ostrich, studies done in 1842 by Johannes Theodor Reinhardt suggested that it was actually a ground pigeon; this research was ridiculed in the beginning but was proven true later on. The extinction of the dodo was due to human interference. They made easy prey for sailors because they couldn’t fly. Plus, as people began introduced new animals to the island, their habitat was destroyed. The last sighting of one of these birds was recorded in 1662.
