It sounds like something out of science fiction – but scientists say it’s edging closer to reality. A biotech startup based in Texas is working on a project that could change how we think about extinction forever. Their goal? To use gene-editing technology to bring back long-lost species like the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and even a massive 30-foot sea cow that disappeared centuries ago.
This article is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional scientific or environmental advice. All information is based on publicly available studies and statements from experts.
How A Simple Phone Call Sparked A Wild Idea
Ben Lamm, a 43-year-old entrepreneur known for his background in tech, never imagined his next big venture would involve prehistoric creatures. During a casual phone call with Dr. George Church, a genetics pioneer from Harvard Medical School, the idea took root.
Church mentioned that he was “working to bring back mammoths and other extinct species to reintroduce them back into the Arctic and regenerate the ecosystem.”
That single comment changed everything. Lamm couldn’t stop thinking about it. He spent the entire night reading about ancient DNA, cloning, and de-extinction. A few years later, in 2021, he launched Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to reviving species lost to time and possibly using them to heal modern ecosystems.
From Mammoths To Sea Cows, And Beyond
Colossal’s plans go far beyond the woolly mammoth. The team also hopes to restore the dodo, the Tasmanian tiger, and New Zealand’s extinct moa. One of their most ambitious projects involves the Steller’s sea cow, a gentle marine giant that could reach 30 feet in length before it vanished in the 1700s.
The first milestone came earlier this year when Colossal scientists announced what they called a “successful de-extinction” experiment. By inserting 20 ancient genes from dire wolves into the DNA of modern grey wolves, they produced three pups – Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.
While these animals share genetic traits with their ancient relatives, experts are cautious about using the term “de-extinction.”
Benjamin Tapon, a PhD candidate at Queen Mary University, noted, “No animal that Colossal has genetically engineered so far is anywhere near the extinct animal they are trying to emulate.” He compared the process to “rebuilding the Library of Alexandria by printing PDFs of a few books and adding them to the shelves of the local public library.”
The Science Behind De-Extinction
So how exactly would a mammoth make a comeback? Colossal plans to edit the DNA of Asian elephants, their closest living relatives, to include genes for thick fur, fat insulation, and cold resistance. The hope is to create a hybrid species capable of surviving in Arctic conditions.
Lamm and Church believe that reintroducing such animals to Siberia could even help restore grasslands, reduce permafrost melt, and play a small part in slowing climate change. For now, that theory remains unproven but highly intriguing.
The team also faces major hurdles. For extinct species like the Steller’s sea cow, there’s currently no living animal suitable to carry a cloned embryo. “There is nothing to gestate it in until we have artificial wombs working,” Lamm admitted.
Can We Ever Truly Bring Them Back?
Not everyone is convinced. Scientists point out that ecosystems have changed dramatically since these creatures last walked or swam the Earth. Even if de-extinction succeeds in the lab, there’s no guarantee the animals could adapt to today’s world.
Alex de Mendoza, another researcher, warned that popular depictions often mislead people. For example, dire wolves likely had reddish-brown coats and lived in dry grasslands, not the snowy forests often shown on screen. He also worries that the excitement around “bringing back” extinct species might distract from efforts to protect endangered ones that still exist.
Even so, fascination runs deep. Tapon admits he’d love to see a dodo again – just not enough to risk unravelling modern ecosystems. De Mendoza says he’d choose the Tasmanian tiger if given the chance, though he suspects any recreated version would be more like “a kangaroo with some stripes.”
For Lamm, however, the mission remains clear: Colossal’s work isn’t just about reviving the past – it’s about repairing the future. “Despite what we’ve lost,” he’s said, “we have a chance to restore balance to nature in ways we never thought possible.”
