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What is the Lazarus Phenomenon?

The Lazarus Phenomenon is a mysterious occurrence where previously extinct animals are reappearing in the modern day. This is not just animals that scientists merely thought were extinct but were actually still alive in the remote parts of the world, but species that went extinct hundreds, thousands, and even millions of years ago spontaneously reappearing with no trace of them being there before. These creatures usually appear in the same general area where they formerly lived before going extinct, however, there have been cases of previously extinct species appearing in areas that were outside of their native range when alive. It is currently unclear whether or not this is because the species in question did actually inhabit these areas in the past and paleontologists just haven’t found fossil evidence proving this yet, or if their former habitats have changed so much that they can no longer live there and instead materialize in a more suitable environment.

Unidentified small theropod tracks found near a playground in Western Pennsylvania.

While not the movie monsters often depicted in books, films, tv shows, and video games, these previously can still pose a threat to humans and the local environment. That’s where we come in! The Rehistoric Foundation is an organization made up of paleontologists, biologists, environmental educators, and volunteers who have dedicated their time, energy, and resources to help protect the present from the past and vice versa!

Doug the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus). One of the many previously extinct animals in the care of the Rehistoric Foundation. He was surrendered to us after local law enforcement confiscated him from his previous owner, who had purchased him illegally from the exotic pet trade and was keeping him as a pet. His small size is due to a combination of being fed an improper diet and being kept in a small cage for most of his life.

In addition to acting as a sanctuary for previously extinct animals that unable to live in the wild (either because they wouldn’t survive or would pose a threat to humans and other modern species), the Rehistoric Foundation aims to educate the public on how to live safely alongside these amazing creatures!

A male Irish elk (Megaloceros giganteus) showing off its large antlers to a female red deer (Cervus elaphus). Photo taken via a trail cam set up by Rehistoric Foundation biologists investigating reports of strange bellowing sounds that could be heard in this area at night. The specific location of this sighting will remain undisclosed to the public for the animal’s safety.

One of the ways we can help keep both the public and prehistoric wildlife safe is by reporting sightings of potentially dangerous species so people know to avoid that area.

We will also post helpful tips and tricks on what to do if you do encounter a previously extinct species in the wild!

Image one: a bull mammoth sighted in northwestern Canada that was captured using a drone.

Image two: a potential Smilodon sighting a few miles away from Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Remember, while these creatures aren’t bloodthirsty monsters, they are still wild animals in an unfamiliar environment and can react in unpredictable ways. Even herbivorous animals can pose a significant threat if you’re not careful. That’s why you never approach any previously extinct animal and immediately report any new sightings to your local Department of Fish & Wildlife or directly to the Rehistoric Foundation’s sighting hotline.

Stay safe out there!

List of know Lazarus Taxa:

Dodo (Raphus cucullatus)

Irish Elk (Megaloceros giganteus)

Smilodon gracilis?

Unidentified theropod

Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius)

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Hope everyone had a happy holiday season! Here at the Rehistoric Foundation, we believe in keeping the animals in our care happy, healthy, and entertained. So, we made sure to spoil Doug the dodo this Christmas with lots of new enrichment items and treats!

His favorite present this year is definitely his dodo donut plushie, which he likes to use as a comfy place to sit.

He also sometimes gets his head stuck in the center while he’s playing with it, which he doesn’t think is nearly as funny as his keepers do!

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Friendly reminder this Christmas that prehistoric animals brought back from extinction through as of yet unknown means do not make good pets!

This handsome fella is Doug the Dodo Bird (Raphus cucullatus). When Doug was just a chick, he was smuggled off of the island of Mauritius by wildlife traffickers and was sold to a black market exotic pet dealer. Doug’s new owners proceeded to keep him in a tiny cage and feet him an inadequate diet of bird seed, and as a result his growth was severely stunted. Luckily, Doug was rescued by the Rehistoric Foundation and now acts as our mascot/ambassador animal. Thanks to the round the clock specialty care he receives from our staff and volunteers, Doug has made an amazing comeback, though he can never be released back into the wild. Sadly, hundreds of other previously extinct animals are sold as pets every year and kept by people who don’t know how to properly care for them. This has resulted in a massive increase of attacks of Lazarus Taxa on humans as well as cases of people releasing their pets into the wild once they become too big or too dangerous to take care of. So, for this holiday season do the right thing and don’t get your kids a previously extinct animal for Christmas!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from everyone here at the Rehistoric Foundation!!!