The wild, extinct supercow returning to Europe

Kieron Monks, CNN

Updated 1258 GMT (2058 HKT) January 9, 2017

Conservationists and scientists are aiming to produce an animal that will be a "near 100% substitute" of the ancient auroch, one of the earliest cow species, which became extinct in 1627.
Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?
Auroch around the clock – Conservationists and scientists are aiming to produce an animal that will be a "near 100% substitute" of the ancient auroch, one of the earliest cow species, which became extinct in 1627.
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Dutch ecologist Ronald Goderie launched the Tauros programme in 2008, using a technique known as back-breeding to produce an animal similar to the auroch, which would be named 'Tauros.'
Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?
Tauros programme – Dutch ecologist Ronald Goderie launched the Tauros programme in 2008, using a technique known as back-breeding to produce an animal similar to the auroch, which would be named 'Tauros.'
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The group assembled breeds with genetics most similar to the auroch, and bred them together for a closer match. <br />These included the Maronesa cow of Portugal.
Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?
Dream team – The group assembled breeds with genetics most similar to the auroch, and bred them together for a closer match.
These included the Maronesa cow of Portugal.
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The Maremmana cow of Italy was also included.
Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?
Longhorn – The Maremmana cow of Italy was also included.
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'Manolo Uno' was one of the earliest products of the back-breeding programme.
Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?
Poster boy – 'Manolo Uno' was one of the earliest products of the back-breeding programme.
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A second generation Tauros at a breeding site in the Netherlands. Goderie expects the project will require seven generations for an acceptable outcome, which could be achieved by 2025.
Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?
New breed – A second generation Tauros at a breeding site in the Netherlands. Goderie expects the project will require seven generations for an acceptable outcome, which could be achieved by 2025.
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Tauros herd in the Czech Republic, one of several locations around Europe where the animals have been released to fend for themselves. <br /><br />In addition to appearance and behavior, they must undergo a process of de-domestication that will allow them to survive in the wild, and deal with predators such as wolves.