MOSCOW — Researchers in Siberia, Russia, have revealed the remains of a baby mammoth that is estimated to be around 50,000 years old, claiming it to be the most well-preserved specimen ever found. This mammoth, named Yana, weighs over 100 kilograms (approximately 220 pounds) and stands at a height of 120 centimeters (about 47 inches).

According to scientists, Yana was just 1 year old at the time of her death. Her remains are part of a collection that includes only seven mammoth carcasses discovered worldwide.

Yana was excavated from the melting permafrost within the Batagaika crater, located in the remote region of Yakutia in far eastern Russia. This crater, often referred to as the “gateway to the underworld,” is 1 kilometer deep and has previously yielded numerous fossils of ancient creatures, such as bison, horses, and dogs.

As the permafrost continues to thaw due to climate change, an increasing number of remains from prehistoric animals have been uncovered. This phenomenon has led to significant fossil discoveries, providing new insights into past ecosystems.

The North-Eastern Federal University of Russia, home to a specialized mammoth research center and museum, will undertake the study of Yana. The university has characterized this find as “exceptional,” noting that it offers a unique opportunity to enhance understanding of how mammoths lived and adapted during their time on Earth.