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Too precious to let go: The science behind pet cloning

Today 04:30Key points summarised by AI

A Thai woman spent over $180,000 to clone her deceased French bulldog, Phaphaeng, driven by a deep emotional bond and reluctance to part with her pet.
Pet cloning involves collecting cells, typically from the ear, and sending them to specialized labs (like one in Dubai overseen by scientist Hwang Woo-suk) to create a genetically identical embryo for a surrogate.
The process is costly and complex, with prices ranging from $50,000 to over $150,000, and can require multiple attempts, as demonstrated by Phaphaeng's challenging cloning.
Owners like Kanjanarat report strong connections, believing cloned pets retain memories, though the practice sparks debate regarding the humanization of animals and potential public criticism.
The availability of pet cloning services, which can be initiated by collecting cells while the pet is alive or shortly after death, caters to a growing demand from owners seeking to preserve their companions.