NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR by The New Yorker and Science News What happens when you try to recreate a woolly mammoth—fascinating science, or conservation catastrophe? Jurassic Park meets The Sixth Extinction in Rise of the Necrofauna , a provocative look at de-extinction from acclaimed documentarist and science writer Britt Wray, PhD. In Rise of the Necrofauna , Wray takes us deep into the minds and labs of some of the world’s most progressive thinkers to find out. She introduces us to renowned futurists like Stewart Brand and scientists like George Church, who are harnessing the powers of CRISPR gene editing in the hopes of “reviving” extinct passenger pigeons, woolly mammoths, and heath hens. She speaks with Nikita Zimov, who together with his eclectic father Sergey, is creating Siberia’s Pleistocene Park—a daring attempt to rebuild the mammoth’s ancient ecosystem in order to save earth from climate disaster. Through interviews with these and other thought leaders, Wray reveals the many incredible opportunities for research and conservation made possible by this emerging new field. But we also hear from more cautionary voices, like those of researcher and award-winning author Beth Shapiro ( How to Clone a Woolly Mammoth ) and environmental philosopher Thomas van Dooren. Writing with passion and perspective, Wray delves into the larger questions that come with this incredible new science, reminding us that de-extinction could bring just as many dangers as it does possibilities. What happens, for example, when we bring an “unextinct” creature back into the wild? How can we care for these strange animals and ensure their comfort and safety—not to mention our own? And what does de-extinction mean for those species that are currently endangered? Is it really ethical to bring back an extinct passenger pigeon, for example, when countless other birds today will face the same fate? By unpacking the many biological, technological, ethical, environmental, and legal questions raised by this fascinating new field, Wray offers a captivating look at the best and worst of resurrection science. Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute. "[ Rise of the Necrofauna ] reintroduced me to the earth. What stuck with me more than the ambitious science—which Wray makes exceptionally accessible—is her attention to the paradoxes of human vanity." —The New Yorker "De-extinction is so hot a topic it sizzles. Science writer Britt Wray braves the heat for a neat overview of the science and its ethical and environmental implications ... The skeptics, including biologist Paul Ehrlich, add balance to Wray's tour of this hellishly complex, decidedly nascent field." —Nature "Wray does a tremendous job of navigating the technicalities and controversies [of de-extinction]. The result is a triumph of clear thinking as gripping as any blockbuster." —BBC Wildlife "Thrilling, sparklingly clear and wonderfully balanced... Wray explains scientific and ecological obstacles brilliantly. She is even better at disentangling ethical issues." —The Times UK "Britt Wray delves into the ethical conversation around de-extinction, talking to scientists hoping to revive woolly mammoths and cautionary environmental philosophers on the other side of the issue." —CBC Books "A fascinating and nuanced discussion about what we ought to be doing as de facto stewards of the planet’s biodiversity." —Globe and Mail "As Wray tells it, the hypotheticals of de-extinction are coming true, and as they do, they create new moral quandaries and unforeseen ecological risks." —National Post "Examines a number of perspectives on using genetic engineering to foment 'de-extinction.'" —Burbank Leader "Wray provides a fascinating survey of how (and why) biotechnologists are toiling away in labs to bring back extinct animals like the passenger pigeon and the woolly mammoth." —MetroNews "Rise of the Necrofauna is a truly engaging read and thought provoking to say the least. Wray’s enthusiasm is infectious, making a technical and complex subject both approachable and captivating." —Inside Ecology "The tale she has to tell is an interesting one. Not only does she discuss the scientific pursuit of de-extinction, but she also thoughtfully addresses the ethical objections to reviving a dead species." —Literary Review "An insightful introduction to a fascinating but controversial subject. Highly recommended." —Library Journal "[An] invigorating new book… a contour map of [the] burgeoning—and undeniably fascinating—field [of de-extinction]" —Quill & Quire "Wray’s attempt to come to grips with [the] issues [of de-extinction] is interwoven with her skillful description of the science and interviews with colourful personalities." —Science Borealis "Anyone concerned about our natural environment and human ethics should read Britt Wray’s Rise of the Necrofauna." —Westmount Magazine "Controversial as this topic is, Wray has written a fascinat