Colorize and Breathe Life into Old Black-and-White Photos (Get started for free)
What happened to the last thylacine, and can I see a colorized photo of it?
The last known thylacine, nicknamed "Benjamin," was filmed in captivity at the Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart, Tasmania in 1933.
This short, grainy black-and-white footage is one of the only moving images of the extinct marsupial.
In 2022, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia released a stunning 4K colorized version of the 1933 footage, providing the public with a more realistic and vivid depiction of the thylacine's appearance.
Experts relied on paintings, drawings, and preserved thylacine pelts in museums to accurately determine the animal's coloration for the colorization process, as there was limited visual reference material available.
The thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger, was declared extinct in 1986, over 50 years after the last confirmed sighting in the wild in 1936.
Despite numerous reported sightings over the decades, no conclusive evidence of the thylacine's survival has been found since the 1930s, leading many scientists to believe the species is truly extinct.
The thylacine was a unique marsupial predator that shared characteristics with both wolves and tigers, with a distinctive striped coat and powerful jaws.
Habitat loss, hunting, and the introduction of dogs and other predators are believed to have contributed to the thylacine's extinction, as the species was unable to adapt to the changing environment.
The last captive thylacine, Benjamin, died at the Hobart Zoo in 1936, just three years after the 1933 footage was recorded, sparking renewed efforts to save the species.
In the 1930s, the Tasmanian government offered a bounty for the capture of thylacines, leading to the killing of many individuals and further accelerating the species' decline.
Scientists have attempted to clone the thylacine using preserved DNA samples, but the quality of the available genetic material has so far prevented the successful recreation of the species.
The thylacine's distinct appearance and ecological role have made it a symbol of conservation efforts and a reminder of the fragility of biodiversity.
In 2022, the Tasmanian government formally apologized for the historic bounty program that contributed to the thylacine's extinction, acknowledging the mistakes of the past.
The colorized footage of Benjamin the thylacine has been widely shared and discussed, sparking renewed interest in the species and its conservation.
Scientists continue to study the thylacine's anatomy, behavior, and ecology through the limited available evidence, hoping to uncover new insights that could aid in the preservation of other endangered species.
The thylacine's distinctive features, such as its stripes and powerful jaws, have inspired the design of various products and works of art, keeping the species' memory alive.
Despite the thylacine's extinction, ongoing efforts to protect and restore its natural habitat in Tasmania have led to the recovery of other native species, highlighting the importance of ecosystem-level conservation.
The colorized footage of the last thylacine has been hailed as a powerful tool for raising awareness about extinction and the urgent need for conservation efforts worldwide.
Scientists and researchers continue to explore the possibility of de-extinction, or the resurrection of extinct species, using advanced genetic techniques, though the feasibility and ethics of such efforts remain highly debated.
The thylacine's story has become a cautionary tale about the consequences of human-induced environmental change and the need for sustainable development and wildlife protection.
The colorized footage of Benjamin the thylacine has been widely shared and discussed, sparking renewed interest in the species and its conservation, and serving as a reminder of the fragility of biodiversity.
Colorize and Breathe Life into Old Black-and-White Photos (Get started for free)