The kouprey was never abundant. It was first observed by the western world in 1937 by biologist Achille Urbain. In fact, he took it to the France Zoological Park. It was originally thought to be a cross between the zebu and banteng, but later DNA testing would disprove that theory. Most scientists estimate its population throughout the 1900’s as being around 2,000 individuals. They once roamed the forests of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. There is evidence that the kouprey may have also lived in the Yunnan Province of China. The kouprey was a skittish animal, running away from danger. During the morning and early evening, the kouprey would move to more open areas to graze. During the heat of the day, they retreated deeper into the forests. Kouprey would come together to mate, but then the males would return to small bachelor herds. Females would raise the calves in isolation. The kouprey has always been hunting as a food source, but was actively sought out for its skull and horns which had cultural importance to the people. In fact, the kouprey was deemed Cambodia’s national animal by Norodom Sihanouk in 1960. In fact Sihanouk gave protected status and set land aside to help protect the kouprey in that same year. All documents related to the reserves were burned and most Forestry Bureau staff were killed After Sihanouk stepped down as Head of State in Cambodia, the efforts to protect the kouprey ended until the 1980’s. Hunting, deforestation, and increased agriculture did play a part in the decline of the kouprey, but the biggest factor leading to the likely extinction of the kouprey was tension and wars amongst the people of that region. The Vietnam War and Cambodian Civil War took a toll on the habitat and the animal itself. In 2016, it was listed as critically endangered with a population less than 50. The kouprey has not been seen alive since 1969 despite numerous focused attempts with cameras in 2011 and 2022. Although Jurassic Park is fiction, scientists are working on several de-extinction projects. In fact, in 2003 scientists did bring back the extinct Pyrenean ibex, a type of wild goat, for 7 minutes before it died, showing de-extinction is possible. The kouprey might be a good candidate. Several specimens have been collected, so DNA could be used from these specimens to one day bring back this unique bovine species. Many efforts have been made to relocate the kouprey since its last sighting in 1969 with no success. Its former homelands continue to struggle to control illegal poaching. In fact, according to a WWF report in 2022, there are still over 12 million snares in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Though it is still possible that the kouprey is out there, the hope of its survival is very much in doubt. Perhaps zoos could help reestablish a population if several were found and relocated, but historically only two living koupreys have ever been kept in captivity. If the kouprey was brought back from extinction, could it survive on its native homeland of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia?