Baby mammoth preserved for 50,000 years is unveiled in Russia's Siberia

MOSCOW (AP) — The 50,000-year-old remains of a baby mammoth uncovered by melting permafrost have been unveiled to the public by researchers in Russia's Siberia region who call it the best-preserved mammoth body ever found.

Nicknamed Yana, the female mammoth weighs more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and is 120 centimeters (47 inches) tall.

Scientists believe that Yana was 1 year old when she died. Her remains are one of seven mammoth carcasses recovered worldwide.

Yana was found among the melting permafrost at the Batagaika crater in the far-eastern Russian area of Yakutia. Known as the “gateway to the underworld," the crater is 1 kilometer deep and has previously revealed the remains of other ancient animals including bison, horses and dogs.

As permafrost melts, affected by climate change, more and more parts of prehistoric animals are being discovered.

Yana will be studied by scientists at Russia's North-Eastern Federal University, which has a dedicated mammoth research center and museum.

The university described the find as “exceptional” and said it would give researchers new information about how mammoths lived and adapted to their surroundings.

In this photo released by the Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, University's Scientists show the remains of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth uncovered by melting permafrost in Russia's Siberia. (Michil Yakovlev, Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University telegram channel via AP)

In this photo released by the Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, the remains of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth uncovered by melting permafrost in Russia's Siberia, is displayed. (Michil Yakovlev, Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University telegram channel via AP)

In this photo released by the Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, University's Scientists show the remains of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth uncovered by melting permafrost in Russia's Siberia. (Michil Yakovlev, Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University telegram channel via AP)

In this photo released by the Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, the remains of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth uncovered by melting permafrost in Russia's Siberia, is displayed. (Michil Yakovlev, Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University telegram channel via AP)

In this photo released by the Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, University's Scientists show the remains of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth uncovered by melting permafrost in Russia's Siberia. (Michil Yakovlev, Mammoth Museum at the Russian North-Eastern Federal University telegram channel via AP)

Graham Arnold has extended his contract as Iraq head coach through the 2027 Asian Cup, months after guiding the national team at its first World Cup in 40 years.

The 63-year-old former Australia coach said he renewed for six months despite being offered a four-year deal by the Iraq Football Association.

“I have renewed my contract for six months and this decision is in my best interest and in the best interest of the Iraq national team,” Arnold told a news conference in Baghdad on Monday.

Arnold was appointed in May 2025 and guided Iraq to the World Cup via a last-ditch intercontinental playoff — the country’s first appearance in four decades. Iraq overcame major logistical issues caused by conflict in the Middle East to become the 48th and final team to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

The team lost all three group games against Norway, France and Senegal in June, but gained valuable experience playing the likes of Frenchman Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland.

Iraq will face Australia, Singapore and Tajikistan in the Asian Cup group stage. The tournament, which Iraq won in 2007, is scheduled for January in Saudi Arabia. Preparation starts at the regional Gulf Cup in September.

“I returned early to watch and identify new players ahead of the Gulf Cup and Asian Cup and to build the team for the future,” Arnold said. “You will see new faces in the next phase.”

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FILE - Iraq head coach Graham Arnold speaks during a news conference on the eve of the team's World Cup soccer match against Senegal, on June 25, 2026, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)