3 weeks ago
22
Tom Brady’s New Dog Junie Is a Genetic Clone of His Late Pet Lua
When Tom Brady introduced his family’s new dog, Junie, fans immediately noticed the striking resemblance to his late Pit Bull mix, Lua. What many people did not realize at first was that Junie was not just similar to Lua, she was her exact genetic clone.
Source: YouTubeThe former NFL quarterback revealed that Junie came into the world through advanced cloning technology developed by Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotechnology company in which Brady is an investor. Scientists used a small blood sample taken from Lua before her passing in December 2023 to replicate her DNA and bring Junie to life.
In a statement, Brady shared his deep connection to his pets, saying, “I love my animals. They mean the world to me and my family. A few years ago, I worked with Colossal and leveraged their non-invasive cloning technology through a simple blood draw of our family’s elderly dog before she passed.”
Colossal’s announcement came as the company confirmed its acquisition of Viagen Pets and Equine, a firm widely known for cloning pets for celebrities such as Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton. Viagen also holds exclusive rights to technology created by the Roslin Institute of Edinburgh, the same research center that famously cloned Dolly the Sheep during the 1990s.
Source: YouTubeBrady explained that this process offered his family a rare and meaningful opportunity. “The company gave my family a second chance with a clone of our beloved dog,” he said. “I am excited about how Colossal and Viagen’s technology together can help families who are grieving their pets while also contributing to the preservation of endangered species.”
Lua had been part of Brady’s family for many years and was originally adopted with his former wife, Gisele Bündchen, during their marriage. She appeared frequently in family photos and even featured in a 2014 Ugg Australia commercial with Brady. Her passing left both Brady and Bündchen heartbroken.
A family in Seattle dropped their dog, a black lab named Mitch, off at a local kennel one day, not expecting anything unusual to occur. But Mitch's stay at the kennel ended with an employee brutally kicking and punching him - to the point of death.
Bündchen shared her feelings on Instagram, writing, “Our little Lulu, our guardian angel, is gone to heaven. She will forever live in our hearts. We already miss her so much.” Brady also posted heartfelt tributes, sharing photos with Lua and his children, Benjamin and Vivian. He wrote, “We love you Lua, RIP,” and followed with another post saying that she would be “forever in our hearts.”
Source: YouTubeColossal Biosciences has become well known for its innovative work in genetics, including ongoing efforts to revive extinct species such as the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird. With the acquisition of Viagen, the company is now expanding into pet cloning and genetic preservation, offering families the chance to maintain a physical connection with their lost companions.
The story has stirred debate about the ethics of cloning pets, yet for Brady, it brought comfort and peace. For him and his children, Junie represents both healing and a continuation of the love they once shared with Lua.
Click the video below to watch the full story:
English (US) · 