Scientists Unveil Remains of ‘Extraordinarily Well-Preserved’ Baby Mammoth
In what can only be described as a paleontological marvel, scientists have unearthed the remains of a baby woolly mammoth in the Yukon, Canada, with preservation so remarkable that it offers a rare glimpse into the distant past. Named “Nun cho ga” by the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation, meaning “big baby animal” in the Hän language, the discovery is being hailed as one of the most significant in North America.
The baby mammoth, estimated to have lived over 30,000 years ago, was discovered by a gold miner in the Klondike gold fields. The find occurred on June 21, 2022, coinciding with National Indigenous Peoples Day, adding a cultural significance to the discovery. “Nun cho ga” was found with her skin, hair, trunk, and even toenails still intact, preserved by the unique conditions of the permafrost.
Paleontologist Dr. Grant Zazula from the Yukon government described the moment of discovery as a lifelong dream coming true, stating, “As an ice age paleontologist, it has been one of my lifelong dreams to come face to face with a real woolly mammoth. That dream came true today. Nun cho ga is beautiful and one of the most incredible mummified ice age animals ever discovered in the world.”
The preservation of “Nun cho ga” is unprecedented in the region, with experts suggesting that she was likely about 30 to 35 days old when she died, possibly after straying from her mother and getting stuck in mud. The Yukon is known for its rich fossil record of ice age animals, but mummified remains with such intact soft tissue are rare. The discovery not only provides insights into the physical characteristics of woolly mammoths but also their behavior and environment during the Pleistocene epoch.
The find has also served as a bridge between science and the local indigenous community, with Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin elders and leaders involved in the naming and future plans for the mammoth’s remains. The First Nation sees “Nun cho ga” as a symbol of healing between their people, the scientists, and the miners who share this land.
After initial studies, “Nun cho ga” was moved to a freezer in Dawson City before being transported to Ottawa for further preservation and study at the Canadian Conservation Institute. The ultimate goal is to return the mammoth to the traditional territory where she was found, ensuring she remains a part of the cultural and scientific heritage of the region.
This discovery echoes another significant find from Siberia, where a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth, named “Yana,” was recently unveiled. These discoveries emphasize the importance of permafrost as a natural freezer, preserving the remains of ancient creatures and offering unparalleled opportunities for scientific research.
As researchers continue to study “Nun cho ga,” they hope to uncover more about the mammoth’s life, including her diet, health, and the circumstances of her death. This find not only adds to our knowledge of prehistoric life but also underscores the ongoing collaboration between science, indigenous communities, and the natural world.
