In 2022, one of the oldest baby mammoths was discovered. Researchers revealed that it was more than 30,000 years old and was located in the Yukon, Canada, specifically in the permafrost of the Klondike gold fields near Eureka Creek. On June 21, 2022, miners working in a mine in Eureka Creek discovered the mammoth while digging through the permafrost.
The preserved mammoth was opened by scientists who confirmed that it was over 30,000 years old. this mammoth is named as a “Nun cho ga,” which means “big baby animal” in the Hän language, spoken by the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin people of Yukon. The researchers said it was the best-preserved carcass they had ever seen.
The researchers found that the baby mammoth is only one year old and weighs over 15st 10lb (100kg) and that was a female baby.
30,000-year-old baby mammoth discovered in Yukon, Canada
In a new discovery in 2022, miners in the Klondike gold fields near Eureka Creek in Yukon, Canada, discovered a remarkably well-preserved baby mammoth frozen in permafrost. The discovery, made on June 21, 2022, has attracted the attention of scientists and indigenous communities. Estimated to be more than 30,000 years old, the baby mammoth has been named “Nun cho ga,” which means “big baby animal” in the Han language of the Trʼondëk Hwëch people.
A rare and exceptional find
Nun cho ga has been hailed as one of the best-preserved mammoth carcasses ever found. Its preservation, frozen in the frozen earth for thousands of years, is extraordinary, with intact skin, hair, and internal organs. Scientists believe that permafrost played a key role in keeping the mammoth’s body in such remarkable condition.
The team of researchers carefully examined the specimen to confirm its age and unique characteristics. They identified it as a female mammoth that died at a young age, weighing about 100 kilograms (15 stone or more than 10 pounds) during its lifetime. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the Ice Age, providing invaluable information about the environment and species that roamed the Earth 30,000 years ago.
Collaboration with Indigenous Communities
The discovery is also a moment of cultural significance for the Trʼondëk Hwëch people, whose ancestral lands include the Klondike region. Naming the mammoth in the Han language highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge and collaboration in scientific research. Trʼondëk Hwëch elders worked closely with the scientific team, emphasizing their respect for the land and the ancient creature.
Insights into the Ice Age
The researchers hope that Nan Cho Ka will shed light on the lives and environments of mammoths during the Ice Age. The baby mammoth’s diet, habitat, and even possible causes of death are also areas that require intensive investigation. Its exceptional preservation allows scientists to study its DNA, potentially unlocking secrets about how mammoths adapted to their cold environment and the factors that led to their eventual extinction.
A window into the past
The discovery of Nun cho ga stands as a testament to the power of science and collaboration in uncovering the mysteries of the past. As researchers continue to study the specimen, its story will not only enrich our understanding of the ancient world, but also deepen our connection to the natural and cultural history of the Yukon Territory.
This remarkable discovery inspires awe and curiosity, reminding us of the incredible history hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. ’s story is not just a story of the past, but a bridge to understanding our shared history and the forces that shaped our world.
