By Tim Binnall
A new survey from an Australian media outlet finds that more than two-thirds of their audience support bringing the long-lost Tasmanian Tiger back to life. The prospect of reviving the creature, which was declared extinct decades ago, has been a hotly debated topic among scientists following the announcement last year that Melbourne University intended to pursue the tantalizing scenario by way of a multi-million dollar research lab working alongside an American bioscience company. While some have questioned the ethics or feasibility of bringing the animal, also known as a thylacine, back to life, it would appear that the average Australian is in favor of the project.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reportedly asked its audience where they stood on the issue and found that 68 percent supporting resurrecting the creature, while just 24% of respondents viewed the idea negatively. Remarkably, one recurring message conveyed by survey participants is that they see the revival of the Tasmanian Tiger as a way of making amends for hunting them into extinction in the first place. "Humans should use knowledge and technology to right this wrong and restore an important link in the chain of the Tasmanian circle of life," wrote one individual. Those sentiments were echoed by another respondent who mused that "it makes sense to undo our mistake."
Among those who voiced opposition the reviving the animal, many argued that the considerable resources being poured into the project would be better spending caring for creatures that are currently fighting for survival and are on the precipice of extinction themselves. Others posited that the prospect of resurrecting the species is a matter which requires further debate with one respondent writing that "there are many ethical and moral issues associated with de-extinction that need to be explored much more deeply." Where do you stand on the possibility of bringing extinct species back to life? Weigh in with your thoughts at the Coast to Coast AM Facebook page.