Tom Brady Cloned His Dog — And Sparked a Global Debate About Love, Loss, and Science

A Second Chance for Tom Brady

In retirement, former NFL superstar Tom Brady has traded touchdowns for test tubes. This week, he confirmed that his new dog Junie is actually a clone of Lua, the pit bull mix he shared with his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, before Lua passed away in late 2023.

The revelation came through a press release from Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech company known for its ambitious “de-extinction” projects — including attempts to revive the woolly mammoth. Colossal recently acquired Viagen, the same company that cloned Dolly the sheep in 1996 and has since cloned dozens of pets for celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton.

Brady, an investor in Colossal, said the cloning process began with a simple blood draw from Lua before she died. “In a few short months, Colossal gave my family a second chance with a clone of our beloved dog,” he said.

How Dog Cloning Works

Cloning a pet doesn’t involve science fiction chambers or lightning bolts — but it’s still incredibly complex. Scientists extract a cell from the original animal (like a skin or blood cell), then insert its nucleus into an empty egg cell. The resulting embryo is implanted into a surrogate mother, who carries the cloned animal to birth.

The first successful dog clone was achieved in 2005 by South Korean researchers. Since then, Viagen claims to have cloned over 15 species, from cats and dogs to endangered animals like the black-footed ferret and Przewalski’s horse.

Cloning isn’t cheap. Preserving a pet’s DNA costs about $1,600, while cloning a dog can reach $50,000 — a luxury only few can afford. Streisand famously cloned her Coton de Tulear, Samantha, calling it her way of “keeping a part of her alive.”

Is It Really the Same Dog?

While cloned animals share the exact DNA of the original, experts emphasize they are not the same individual. A clone looks identical genetically but develops its own personality, experiences, and behaviors.

“Cloning doesn’t resurrect a soul — it recreates biology,” explains Professor Samuel Gorovitz, a medical ethicist from Syracuse University. “The danger lies in self-deception. The new pet is not the beloved prior pet. At best, it’s similar in important attributes.”

Studies show cloning success rates are low — only about 2% of attempts lead to a healthy live birth. Many embryos fail to develop, and some clones die shortly after being born, prompting further ethical scrutiny.

The Ethics: Science or Sentimentality?

Animal welfare organizations have condemned cloning as cruel and unnecessary, arguing it exploits surrogate animals and fuels the commodification of life. PETA called cloning “a vanity project for the wealthy,” pointing to millions of homeless pets still waiting in shelters.

“When you consider that millions of wonderful adoptable dogs languish in shelters every year, cloning adds to the problem,” said Ingrid Newkirk, PETA’s founder.

However, Colossal Biosciences defends its work as part of a broader mission to preserve genetic diversity and protect endangered species. “Cryopreservation and cloning are essential tools to preserve, revive, and restore biodiversity,” said Matt James, the company’s Chief Animal Officer.

Lua’s Legacy Lives On

Lua wasn’t just Brady’s dog — she was part of his public life, appearing in Ugg commercials and regularly featured on the social media accounts of both Brady and Bündchen. When she passed in December 2023, Brady posted a heartfelt tribute:

“We love you, Lua. RIP.”

Now, Lua’s legacy continues through Junie — genetically identical, but spiritually her own being. Whether this represents love, loss, or a leap too far depends on how you define a “second chance.”