Animal cloning by nuclear transplantation was first developed in the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens. It was soon extended to other amphibian species and within time, to various mammalian species. The production of a cloned sheep (Dolly) from an adult nuclear donor reawakened interest in human cloning. Nuclear transfer for the production of animal clones has served experimental biology well. Nonetheless, the potential burden of developmental hazards, scientists and funds diverted from more needy causes, as well as the potential assault on the concept of family has led the author to oppose human cloning.