In a revelation that blends celebrity intrigue with cutting-edge biotechnology, retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady has disclosed that his new dog, Junie, is a genetic clone of his beloved late pet, Lua. The announcement, made on November 4, 2025, coincides with a major acquisition in the biotech sector, highlighting how advancements in cloning are moving from scientific novelty to personal reality for high-profile individuals.

Brady, who shared Lua with his ex-wife Gisele Bündchen and their children, described the cloning as a ‘second chance’ for his family. Lua, a pit bull mix, passed away in 2023, but a blood sample collected beforehand enabled the creation of Junie through somatic cell nuclear transfer, the same technique used to clone Dolly the Sheep in 1996. This process was facilitated by Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based firm where Brady is an investor.

Colossal Biosciences announced its acquisition of Viagen Pets and Equine on the same day, integrating Viagen’s pet cloning expertise into its broader mission of de-extinction. Viagen has a track record of cloning pets for celebrities, including Barbra Streisand’s dog Samantha in 2017 and Paris Hilton’s dog Diamond Baby in 2022, according to reports from People.

The Science Behind Cloning a Champion’s Best Friend

The cloning process begins with extracting DNA from a donor animal, in this case, Lua’s blood sample. Scientists at Viagen insert this genetic material into an enucleated egg cell from a donor dog, then implant the resulting embryo into a surrogate mother. The result is a genetically identical animal, though environmental factors can influence personality and health outcomes.

Colossal Biosciences, founded in 2021, is best known for its ambitious projects to revive extinct species like the woolly mammoth and dire wolf. The company’s recent claim of producing three dire wolf pups underscores its prowess in genetic engineering. By acquiring Viagen, Colossal gains exclusive access to technologies developed by the Roslin Institute, the birthplace of Dolly the Sheep, as detailed in a press release covered by The Guardian.

Brady’s involvement as an investor adds a layer of personal stake to the venture. In statements reported by ABC News, he expressed that the family was ‘given a second chance’ with Lua, emphasizing the emotional bond rather than the scientific feat. This sentiment echoes broader trends where pet owners view cloning as a way to cope with loss, though it comes at a steep price—typically around $50,000 per clone, based on industry estimates.

Ethical Debates and Animal Rights Backlash

Animal rights groups have swiftly criticized Brady’s decision, arguing that cloning diverts resources from animal welfare. The New York Times reported that organizations like PETA view pet cloning as exploitative, pointing out the involvement of surrogate animals and the potential for health issues in clones, such as those observed in early experiments with shortened telomeres leading to premature aging.

However, recent developments suggest improvements in cloning technology. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from users like Crémieux highlight cases where cloned dogs, including ‘reclones,’ show no signs of cloning-related illnesses, with one example from 2024 noting healthy outcomes years after the procedure. This aligns with Viagen’s claims of over 1,000 successful pet clones since 2004, as per their announcements.

Critics, including those cited in The New York Times, argue that cloning encourages a commodification of animals, ignoring the millions of shelter dogs in need of homes. Brady’s choice, while personal, amplifies these debates, especially given his public platform as a Fox Sports analyst and seven-time Super Bowl winner.

Celebrity Precedents and Industry Growth

Brady isn’t the first celebrity to turn to cloning. Barbra Streisand cloned her coton de tulear Samantha into two puppies, Miss Violet and Miss Scarlett, as she revealed in a 2018 Variety interview. Paris Hilton followed suit after her chihuahua went missing, resulting in two clones, according to Hello! Magazine.

The pet cloning market, valued at millions, is expanding rapidly. Viagen, now under Colossal, dominates the U.S. landscape, with competitors in South Korea and China also active. A 2025 report from ESPN notes that while cloning remains controversial, demand is rising among affluent pet owners seeking to preserve unique genetic lines.

Colossal’s broader ambitions extend beyond pets. The company aims to resurrect species like the Tasmanian tiger and dodo bird, using CRISPR gene editing. Brady’s endorsement could boost investor interest, with Colossal having raised over $225 million in funding, as reported by Futurism.

Health Implications for Cloned Animals

Concerns about clone health persist, drawing from early cases like Dolly the Sheep, who suffered from arthritis and died young. Modern techniques have mitigated some risks, with Viagen reporting that cloned pets live normal lifespans. A 2022 X post from Dr. Rhonda Patrick discussed gene therapies in dogs that reduce aging biomarkers, hinting at potential enhancements for cloned animals.

Industry insiders note that while clones are genetically identical, they aren’t exact replicas—epigenetic factors and upbringing can lead to differences. In Brady’s case, Junie is described as sharing Lua’s traits but developing her own personality, per updates from USA Today.

Regulatory oversight remains light in the U.S., with the FDA classifying cloned animals as safe for consumption but not directly regulating pet cloning. This hands-off approach allows innovation but raises questions about long-term welfare, as explored in a Reddit thread on r/entertainment with over 800 votes discussing Brady’s revelation.

Biotech’s Broader Horizons and Investor Appeal

Colossal’s acquisition of Viagen positions it as a leader in applied biotechnology. The company’s de-extinction efforts, including plans for woolly mammoths by 2028, blend conservation with commerce. Brady’s participation, as covered by Straight Arrow News, could attract more celebrity investors, accelerating research.

Public reaction on X has been mixed, with posts from Awful Announcing and Dexerto garnering thousands of views, reflecting fascination and skepticism. One X user, Erik Bryant, called it ‘one of the more bizarre stories’ amid the 2025 news cycle.

As biotech evolves, cases like Brady’s may normalize cloning, shifting it from sci-fi to standard for the elite. Yet, for industry watchers, it underscores the tension between technological possibility and ethical responsibility in reshaping life itself.

The Future of Pet Cloning in a Post-Lua World

Looking ahead, experts predict cloning costs will drop, making it accessible beyond celebrities. Advances in gene editing could address health concerns, potentially integrating anti-aging therapies mentioned in Dr. Patrick’s X post.

Brady’s story, amplified by media like Yahoo News, may inspire more pet owners, but it also invites scrutiny on sustainability. With Colossal at the forefront, the line between preserving pets and resurrecting the past continues to blur, promising a new era in biotechnology.

For now, Junie romps as a living testament to science’s power to heal heartbreak, even as debates rage on the morality of playing god with genetics.