264# Beasts of the Reich | The Nazi Quest to Resurrect Extinct Animals

264# Beasts of the Reich | The Nazi Quest to Resurrect Extinct Animals

During World War II, Nazi Germany occupied Ukraine, and Askania-Nova fell under their control. The Nazis were deeply interested in scientific breeding and genetic experiments, particularly the "back-breeding" of extinct species. Some SS officers, influenced by bizarre ideas about "recreating the ancient world," wanted to reverse-engineer extinct megafauna like the aurochs (a giant, wild ancestor of modern cattle) and even prehistoric European horses.

One of the key figures involved was Lutz Heck, a German zoologist and director of the Berlin and Munich zoos. He and his brother, Heinz Heck, had been working on a controversial genetic project called the Heck Cattle Project, attempting to breed back the extinct aurochs by selectively mating modern cattle with ancient traits. The Heck brothers also worked on "back-breeding" Tarpan horses, a now-extinct wild horse species, using Przewalski’s horses and other breeds.