Two unrelated cloned African wildcats in the United States successfully delivered two healthy litters of kitten.
It's the first demonstration ever that clones of wild animal can breed.

The experiment was unveiled by the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans, Louisiana this past week-end.

This means that the way to save severe endangered species from extinction has been finally opened, scientists say.

The first five kittens were born on July 26 to the African Wildcat Madge, clone of the wildcat Nancy. The second litter, consisting of three kittens, was born on August 2 to the African wildcat Caty, also a clone of wildcat Nancy.
The "happy" father of both litters is Ditteaux, clone of African wildcat Jazz.
Jazz was the first wildcat to be born as result of transfer of cryopreserved embryos to a domestic cat.

"The science which produced these beautiful kittens is nothing short of wondrous", said President and Chief Executive at Audubon Nature Institute Ron Forman. "We are thrilled to play a part in a scientific journey holding such enormous potential for the world's animals", he added.

The newly-born kittens will be shown to the public at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans later on this year, but they will be returned to the research center for more study as they grow up and start displaying their mature wildcats instincts.