The last surviving Spanish bucardo died last year after being hit by a falling tree. But cells containing bucardo genes that have been preserved by freezing could bring the species back to life. He collects cells from endangered species and freezes them. So far he has preserved cells from more than 5,400 different animals belonging to more than 400 species. He believes the collection may be a valuable tool to save some species.
Some scientists question the use of methods like cloning to save animals.
When a species disappears, it's usually because its habitat has been destroyed. Bringing back a few extinct or nearly extinct creatures may be an exciting trick, but it's not enough to save a species. Still, most conservationists are cheering for Bessie and hoping her historic baby gaur arrives in good health.