Full Breakdown
Tom Brady Reveals His Dog Junie is a Clone of His Late Pet Lua
11/5/2025, 2:58:01 AM
Cloning Announcement and Background
On November 4, 2025, former NFL quarterback Tom Brady announced that his new dog, Junie, is a clone of his late pit bull mix, Lua, who passed away in December 2023. This revelation coincided with an announcement from Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotechnology company in which Brady is an investor. Colossal confirmed its acquisition of Viagen Pets and Equine, a company known for cloning pets, including those of celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton.
Brady explained that the cloning process involved collecting a blood sample from Lua prior to her death, which allowed for the creation of Junie. “I love my animals. They mean the world to me and my family,” Brady stated. He expressed gratitude for the technology, saying it provided his family with “a second chance with a clone of our beloved dog.”
The Cloning Process
Colossal Biosciences utilized non-invasive cloning technology to create Junie from Lua's DNA. The company is recognized for its ambitious projects aimed at de-extinction, including efforts to revive species such as the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird. Viagen, now part of Colossal, has a history of cloning pets for high-profile clients, leveraging technologies developed by the Roslin Institute of Edinburgh, which famously cloned Dolly the Sheep in 1996.
Official Statements & Responses
Brady emphasized the emotional significance of his pets, stating, “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.” He also noted his excitement about the potential of Colossal and Viagen's combined technologies to assist families grieving the loss of pets while contributing to conservation efforts for endangered species.
Criticism & Opposition
While Brady's announcement has garnered significant attention, it has also raised ethical questions regarding pet cloning. Critics argue that cloning may not replicate the original animal's personality or behavior, leading to concerns about the implications of treating pets as replaceable entities. Additionally, the high cost of cloning, typically ranging from $50,000 to $85,000, raises accessibility issues for pet owners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In a few short months, Colossal gave my family a second chance with a clone of our beloved dog.” — Tom Brady
- “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,” — Tom Brady
- “Together, we can accelerate breakthroughs in genetic preservation, animal health, and endangered species recovery through biobanking and cloning at a scale that simply wasn’t possible on our own.” — Blake Russell, President of Viagen
What's Next
As Colossal Biosciences and Viagen Pets and Equine integrate their operations, they aim to expand cloning services for pet owners and enhance conservation projects. Brady's experience may encourage further discussions on the ethical considerations of cloning pets and its potential benefits for both families and endangered species.
