Scientists say they can bring the extinct thylacine back from the dead within a decade, but does anybody want them to? The resounding answer to an ABC survey is "Yes".
Based on the embedded video, and in the absence of any qualified dissenting opinion, I would say yes. On a micro-level it feels a bit ethically grey, but if you look at it as part of an overall plan to combat bio-diversity then it has more merit. However, it is pretty sad that the average Australian is seemingly so obsessed with restoring this one lost animal but doesn't give a shit about any of the incredible species we still have with us.
Many respondents Australia-wide expressed a feeling of responsibility to bring thylacines back, due to humans having caused their extinction.
Professor Andrew Pask is leader of the Thylacine Integrated Genetic Restoration Research Lab at Melbourne University.
In New South Wales, Jo's livestock suffered dog attacks, an experience she describes as "awful and horrible and gut-wrenching".
The comments of survey participants have prompted University of Tasmania Aboriginal Leadership pro-vice-chancellor Professor Greg Lehman to question if the topic can open a doorway to difficult conversations "most people" back away from.
"Maybe having this conversation about the thylacine is a way for people to start to have an opportunity to talk about subjects that tend to get buried deep in the national conscience," Professor Lehman said.
Strong support from survey respondents prompted United Kingdom author and journalist Helen Pilcher to put forward a cautious yes.
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