This week we explore a creature that used to live throughout the mountain west United States, the elusive and nearly extinct black footed ferret. 

Once declared extinct, the highly endangered specialist predator may make a comeback in the North American prairie thanks in part to our guest, Paul Marinari, Senior Curator at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at the National Zoo.

We’ll have an introduction to Elizabeth Ann, a ferret cloned from cells frozen in 1987.

Scientists are working hard to restore the black footed ferret but they face obstacles from humans who have destroyed their habitats. 

This episode was produced by Katie Stone, our Executive Producer and our Senior Producer, Christina Stella. Many thanks to Paul Marinari, Senior Curator at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at the National Zoo for being with us on the show today. 

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