Hollywood Billionaire Clones Beloved Irish Stray Dog
Key Insights
In 1999, Barry Diller found a stray puppy in Ireland and named her Shannon.
Diller smuggled Shannon to the US as an 'undocumented immigrant' on his private jet.
After Shannon's death in 2014, Diller had her tissue biopsied and shipped to South Korea for cloning.
Five clones of Shannon were created: Dina, Evita, Tess, Luna, Bossie, and Birdie.
One of the clones, Dina, met an unfortunate end in Costa Rica, being eaten by a crocodile.
Why does this matter? This story illustrates the unique ways people express affection and the evolving possibilities of biotechnology. It also touches upon themes of companionship and the lengths to which some will go to preserve a connection with a beloved pet.
In-Depth Analysis
Barry Diller's story of Shannon and her clones is a fascinating blend of Hollywood extravagance and personal sentiment. In 1999, while vacationing in Ireland, Diller discovered a stray puppy he named Shannon. He brought her back to the United States, and she became a cherished member of his household.
After Shannon's passing, Diller chose to clone her, resulting in five genetically identical dogs. This process involved shipping Shannon's tissue to a South Korean biotech company, where the cloning was performed. The clones, each with a slightly different personality, inherited Shannon's 'ethos,' according to Diller.
The story took a tragic turn when one of the clones, Dina, was killed by a crocodile in Costa Rica. Despite this loss, Diller continues to care for Shannon's remaining clones, showcasing his enduring bond with his original Irish stray.
Cloning pets is a growing trend among the wealthy, with celebrities like Barbra Streisand also opting for the procedure. Diller has openly shared his experiences with cloning, contributing to the conversation around this controversial practice.
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to clone a dog?
The price tag is six-figure-per-clone.
Q: Where was Shannon found?
Shannon was found in a small town south of Shannon, Ireland.
Q: How many clones of Shannon are there?
There are five clones: Dina, Evita, Tess, Luna, Bossie, and Birdie.
Key Takeaways
Barry Diller's story highlights the extraordinary measures some people take to preserve relationships with their pets.
Cloning pets is an expensive and controversial practice, but it is becoming more common.
The clones of Shannon are said to share the same 'ethos' as the original dog, though their personalities differ slightly.
Discussion
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