A major scientific breakthrough could soon lead to the revival of five extinct species, including the long-extinct woolly mammoth. The possibility of resurrecting these ancient creatures has been a subject of fascination for scientists, and recent developments suggest that it may not be a far-off fantasy. With advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology, scientists are closer than ever to reintroducing species that were lost to history. The project, led by Colossal Biosciences, has sparked a global conversation about the ethics and potential impacts of bringing back creatures that haven’t roamed the Earth for thousands of years. This ambitious initiative also poses questions about our role in nature and the future of conservation. The prospect of bringing extinct species back to life may fundamentally change the way we view extinction, genetics, and environmental stewardship in the 21st century.

The Return of the Mammoth by 2028: A Bold Ambition

The idea of resurrecting extinct species is no longer just a concept for science fiction. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that researchers were actively working to bring back the woolly mammoth by 2028. This ambitious project is being led by Colossal Biosciences, a company at the forefront of de-extinction efforts. The project, which focuses on the genetic resurrection of species like the mammoth, aims to rebuild a healthy, sustainable herd of woolly mammoths. In order to succeed, Colossal Biosciences will need to overcome complex genetic challenges, ensuring that the revived mammoths have enough genetic diversity to thrive. The ultimate goal is not just to create clones of these ancient creatures but to restore them to ecosystems where they once played an important role, particularly in the Arctic tundra regions. This bold ambition has the potential to reshape conservation efforts globally, bringing attention to the environmental benefits of such ventures. The mammoth is just one piece of the puzzle—scientists also hope to bring back several other species that could contribute to a healthier planet.

Ben Lamm, the CEO of Colossal Biosciences, shared with Sky News that the technology required to bring back extinct species is now available. “We’ve got all the technology we need. It is just a focus of time and funding,” Lamm stated. He expressed full confidence in their ability to bring back the Tasmanian tiger, the dodo, and, of course, the mammoth. Lamm’s team has already made significant strides in engineering the genetic material necessary to bring these species back from the brink of extinction. As ambitious as this project may seem, it is important to recognize the significant ethical, scientific, and ecological concerns that come with such an undertaking.

Ben Lamm is heading the ambitious project (**Colossal Biosciences**)

How Scientists Plan to Bring Back Extinct Species

The process of reviving extinct animals is no small feat, and it requires careful planning, innovation, and the right technology. According to Lamm, it’s not enough to simply create clones of these animals; the goal is to build sustainable populations with genetic diversity. “You need enough engineered and genetic diversity so you can create interbreedable, sustainable herds so you’re not just making a bunch of clones,” Lamm explained. Without this approach, the revived animals would likely suffer from the same genetic issues that often plague modern-day endangered species. For example, a lack of genetic diversity can make a population more vulnerable to disease or environmental changes. Ensuring that these resurrected species have the ability to thrive in the wild requires careful attention to their genetic makeup, environmental needs, and reproductive health.

The hope is that these revived animals can eventually be “rewilded” into their natural habitats, with the ability to thrive and reproduce without human intervention. This aspect of the project focuses on environmental sustainability and the long-term survival of the species in the wild. While the idea of reintroducing woolly mammoths into the wild may sound controversial, proponents argue that the rewilding process could help restore ecosystems that were disrupted by human activity. By introducing these species back into their natural environments, scientists aim to help reverse some of the damage caused by human-induced climate change and habitat loss. This could potentially create more resilient ecosystems capable of supporting a greater diversity of life.

The Five Extinct Species in Focus

While the mammoth is the most high-profile species in Colossal Biosciences’ de-extinction efforts, the team has set its sights on reviving four other species as well. These are:

The Ice Age bear (Arctodus), a giant short-faced bear that stood up to 14 feet tall.
The giant beaver, which was about 5 feet tall and roamed North America.
The Tasmanian tiger, a carnivorous marsupial that was last seen in the 1930s.
The dodo, a flightless bird that was driven to extinction in the late 1600s.

Beth Shapiro, Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences, shared her enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I would like to work on all of them because I’d like to learn more about the biology of these animals.” She specifically expressed interest in bringing back carnivores, citing the fascinating prospect of studying the Arctodus bear and its enormous size. The revival of these species could provide valuable insights into ancient ecosystems and how these animals interacted with their environments. Studying these species could also open the door to understanding the reasons behind their extinction and offer solutions for preserving modern-day species.

Each of these animals played a critical role in the ecosystem of their time. The giant beaver, for instance, helped shape wetlands and river ecosystems, while the Tasmanian tiger, a top predator, maintained balance in its ecosystem. By reintroducing these species, scientists aim to bring back a more balanced natural order. Additionally, their presence could have profound implications for biodiversity, helping to restore important ecological processes that have been lost.

The Science Behind the Resurrection

One of the breakthroughs that Colossal Biosciences has made is the creation of pluripotent stem cells from Asian elephant skin cells. These cells have the potential to develop into egg and sperm cells for elephant reproduction. This could pave the way for creating hybrid animals with mammoth traits, bringing us one step closer to reviving the woolly mammoth. The success of these early stages is crucial to the viability of the entire de-extinction project. The ability to manipulate DNA and create viable embryos from resurrected species requires cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of genetics.

In addition, Shapiro and her team are working on understanding the genetics and biology of these extinct species. By analyzing DNA and studying preserved remains, scientists are gathering critical information to guide the de-extinction process. The use of ancient DNA extracted from frozen remains of extinct animals allows researchers to identify the genes responsible for the traits that made these creatures unique. This genetic blueprint will be used to recreate the animals, as well as provide insights into the factors that contributed to their extinction. Furthermore, the de-extinction process is helping to advance the field of genetics by developing new tools and techniques that may have applications in human medicine, biodiversity conservation, and agriculture.

Scientists may bring the 11,000-year-old bear back (**Getty Stock Photo**)

Addressing Concerns About the Warm Climate for Mammoths

One common argument against the possibility of reintroducing mammoths is that the planet is too warm for them to survive. However, Lamm believes this is a misconception. “Everyone thinks of the movie Ice Age,” Lamm said. “In those times, there were those locations, but there were also these massive interglacial periods that were actually warmer than today.” He points out that mammoths lived in a wide range of climates, and their migratory patterns spanned across both cold and warmer regions. The woolly mammoth was not limited to the icy tundras—it also roamed grasslands, forests, and even semi-arid areas.

In fact, some mammoths, like the Columbian mammoths, lived in areas much warmer than the icy tundras typically associated with these animals. This means that the modern environment may not be as inhospitable to mammoths as some believe. Furthermore, the introduction of mammoths into certain regions could have a cooling effect on the local climate, as these animals were known to influence vegetation growth. By grazing on grasses and other vegetation, mammoths helped maintain the cold, dry conditions that allowed the tundra ecosystems to thrive. Their reintroduction could help restore a more stable climate and create conditions that are more conducive to their survival.

Social Media Reactions and Global Interest

As news of this breakthrough spreads, people around the world are expressing their excitement and disbelief about the possibility of resurrecting ancient creatures. Here are some social media reactions:

Twitter Post
“Imagine a world where we have woolly mammoths and giant beavers walking around again! 😱🦣 Is de-extinction the future of conservation? #DeExtinction #WoollyMammoth #ScienceNews”
Check out the full tweet here

Reddit Comment
“I can’t believe we’re so close to bringing back the mammoth! This is mind-blowing. I just hope we don’t mess things up. #DeExtinction”
Join the discussion on Reddit

Instagram Post
“Is the revival of the woolly mammoth and dodo just around the corner? 🐘🌍 These animals might soon be part of our world again. #ScienceInnovation #FutureOfNature”
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The Challenges Ahead

While the science behind de-extinction is advancing rapidly, there are many challenges ahead. Ethical debates about the consequences of bringing back extinct species, the ecological impact of reintroducing them to modern ecosystems, and the technical hurdles of successfully creating viable populations are just a few of the obstacles that need to be overcome. Furthermore, many scientists argue that efforts to resurrect extinct species could divert resources from efforts to conserve endangered species that still exist today. There is also the question of how we manage the reintroduction of these species into environments that have changed dramatically since their extinction.

However, with the growing interest in genetic engineering and the rapid pace of technological advancements, it’s possible that we may see the first steps toward bringing extinct animals back to life within our lifetime. This raises important questions about the role of humanity in shaping the future of biodiversity and whether we should be playing God with species that no longer exist. Despite the controversies, de-extinction could offer invaluable insights into the past and how we can better protect the species that remain. With advancements in biotechnology, this ambitious goal could become a reality sooner than we think.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images