Advancements in genetic engineering and synthetic biology are making it possible to bring back animals that were once lost to this world. Leading organizations and companies in de-extinction research, such as Colossal Biosciences, are optimistic about their success, which could happen sooner than expected.
Recently, these efforts received a significant boost when Colossal Biosciences, the biotech company aiming to resurrect species like the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger, secured an additional $200 million in funding. This brings their total investment to $435 million, a substantial increase from the initial $15 million in 2021 when the company was founded by entrepreneur Ben Lamm and Harvard geneticist George Church.
The ultimate goal of de-extinction projects is to create viable approximations of extinct species and reintroduce them into their natural habitats. Supporters believe these efforts could attract substantial investment into conservation, pushing the boundaries of biotechnology, and offering innovative ways to protect endangered species and ecosystems, thereby enhancing resilience to climate change.
However, skeptics argue that the initiative is a luxury project for wealthy backers, with resources better allocated elsewhere. Critics also contend that the revived animals might only be imitations of the originals and could pose ethical and ecological risks to surrogate species and existing ecosystems.
A mammoth skeleton is seen on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in January 2023. Mary Altaffer/AP
Colossal Biosciences has made significant progress, such as creating stem cells for Asian elephants, crucial for developing mammoth-like traits. For the Tasmanian tiger, the company has engineered hundreds of genetic modifications in its surrogate species, the fat-tailed dunnart. Efforts to revive the dodo, however, have proven more challenging.
Although many developments remain unpublished and unavailable for scientific peer review, Colossal emphasizes that its mission extends beyond academic research. The company’s long-term goals include leveraging its technology to aid in conservation efforts, such as protecting the endangered northern white rhino and developing vaccines for diseases affecting elephants.
While some experts question the feasibility of reintroducing species into rapidly changing ecosystems, proponents argue that de-extinction could play a transformative role in biodiversity recovery. For example, the grazing habits of genetically re-created aurochs-like cattle have already positively impacted European landscapes, providing open habitats for other species.
Despite the challenges and controversies, de-extinction represents a bold frontier in science, blending ethics, technology, and conservation with the promise of reshaping the future of biodiversity.
