RETURN OF THE
THYLACINE
There is genuine speculation as to whether a living Thylacine (the 'Tasmanian Tiger') might still be discovered in the grassland savannah or wilderness of Tasmania.
Educational research and media videos abound on the thylacine's history and deemed extinction in
1936. Skeptical academic and social debate abounds.
HR Arts Factory has crafted a musical story, imagining the find of a living thylacine in the near future. And the wondrous event this entails, if it were to transpire. Hence the tongue-in-cheek chorus line, 'I am the thylacine' . The marsupial announces 'victory' as it casually staggers into the Mole Creek hotel, astonishing the inhabitants.
And so we have an optimistic story preparing for the 'Return of the Thylacine'.
Listen
Soundtrack theme
- next page
Track release due
Q3 2024
The Quest for de-extinction
Genetic restoration and engineering of a 'test-tube' thylacine is underway inside the TIGRR Lab at Melbourne University, headed by Professor Pask and team. This is assisted with philanthropic support, as well as a co-investment from the genetics and bioscience company, Colossal Biosciences (and using knowledge from CRISPR/Cas 9 technologies, where applicable).
This might well be the way the thylacine's de-extinction is ultimately realised. We await then, to see if this important venture can be progressed by the dedicated TIGRR team in the period ahead.
The implications this program presents for the preservation of other species is substantive for science and public alike .
rewild.org & Colossal partnership news
On 23 March 2024, rewild.org and Colossal Biosciences announced their investment partnership to accelerate the Tasmanian Thylacine de-extinction science project. Rewild's, 'Search for Lost Species expedition' program is likely to include Thylacine expeditions in the time ahead.
Editing Note: May 2024: This site is still under construction.
Suggestions to improve the site and or accuracy of details is welcomed