Science

Ancient Ice Age Wonder: Baby Mammoth Unearthed in Yukon

2025-05-30

Author: Charlotte

A Stunning Discovery in the Yukon Gold Fields

In an extraordinary twist of fate, gold miners in the Klondike gold fields of Yukon, Canada, have stumbled upon a baby mammoth that has remained perfectly preserved for over 30,000 years. This incredible finding occurred within the sacred lands of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, who have affectionately named the calf "Nun cho ga," which translates to "big baby animal" in the Häŋ language. Experts declare Nun cho ga as the most complete mammoth specimen ever uncovered in North America.

Unlocking Secrets of the Ice Age!

Belonging to the woolly mammoth species (Mammuthus primigenius), this species roamed the Earth during the Pleistocene epoch before disappearing in the Holocene. Renowned for their long tusks, these magnificent creatures were comparable in size to today's African elephants, with males towering between 2.7 and 3.4 meters and reaching weights as heavy as 6 metric tons.

Dr. Grant Zazula, a distinguished ice age paleontologist, expressed his amazement, stating, "Meeting Nun cho ga is a lifelong dream come true. She is stunning, and finding such well-preserved Ice Age creatures is exceptionally rare globally."

Tracing the Woolly Mammoth's History

Despite their decline at the close of the Pleistocene, isolated populations of woolly mammoths survived on remote islands until as recently as 5,600 years ago. Interestingly, evidence of ancient environmental DNA suggests that some may have lingered in Yukon until 5,700 years ago.

An Astonishing Find Amid Gold Mining Operations

Frozen in permafrost during a time of rich biodiversity in the Yukon, Nun cho ga was discovered among Ice Age megafauna such as wild horses and giant steppe bison. This calf's dimensions are reminiscent of notable discoveries like Lyuba, a 42,000-year-old calf from Siberia, and Effie, a partially recovered calf found in Alaska in 1948.

The remarkable recovery occurred at Eureka Creek during gold mining operations, facilitated by a collaboration between geologists from the Yukon Geological Survey, the University of Calgary, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community, and the Klondike Placer Miners’ Association.

A Game Changer for Prehistoric Research

Ranj Pillai, Yukon’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, emphasized how pivotal this discovery is for Ice Age research worldwide. He stated, "The Yukon has long been a leader in research on the Ice Age. We are thrilled about the stunning discovery of Nun cho ga. The remarkable collaboration among miners, the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, and the Yukon government was essential for this achievement."

This monumental discovery not only enriches our understanding of prehistoric life in North America but also serves as a cultural milestone for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community, reinforcing the blend of scientific inquiry and Indigenous heritage. Pillai added, "We look forward to working closely with the Yukon government to respectfully handle these remains in a way that honors our traditions and laws."