A $10B Startup Wants to Bring Back the Woolly Mammoth and Dodo Birds

A B Startup Wants to Bring Back the Woolly Mammoth and Dodo Birds

Digital rendering of large woolly animal with tusks walking through creek
Digital rendering of the long-extinct woolly mammoth. Courtesy Colossal Biosciences

Did you ever think you’d live to see the day when the woolly mammoth could roam the Earth once again? Well, that day might be closer than you think. Colossal Biosciences, a biotech startup with a bold vision of bringing back extinct species, is making waves in the scientific community with its ambitious plans.

With a whopping $435 million in funding raised over the past three years and a recent $200 million investment from TWG Global, Colossal is on a mission to make de-extinction a reality. Led by entrepreneur Ben Lamm and biologist George Church, the startup is focusing on reviving three iconic species: the woolly mammoth, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger. Using cutting-edge technology and a team of over 170 scientists, Colossal is rewriting the genetic code of these extinct creatures to bring them back to life.

The process involves a mix of ancient DNA, living DNA, and advanced genetic engineering tools. For example, did you know that a woolly mammoth is genetically 99.6 percent similar to an Asian elephant? It’s fascinating to see how science is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

But Colossal’s work doesn’t stop there. The startup is also exploring the rewilding of these resurrected species, collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition back into the ecosystem. And it’s not just about bringing back extinct animals—Colossal is also investing in other tech ventures like Form Bio and Breaking, with a focus on conservation and sustainability.

As the company continues to grow, backed by investors like Victor Vescovo and Peter Jackson, the possibilities seem endless. Who knows what other extinct species Colossal might tackle next? The future of de-extinction is here, and it’s a thrilling time to be alive.

Woman and man pose in front of picture of a bird
Beth Shapiro and Ben Lamm respectively serve as Colossal’s chief scientific officer and CEO. Courtesy Colossal Biosciences

Curious about when the woolly mammoth will make its comeback?

Colossal’s woolly mammoth project is in the editing phase, with the company working diligently to edit mammoth genes into Asian elephant cells. The goal? To welcome the first woolly mammoth calf by 2028—a timeline that may seem ambitious, but with Colossal’s dedication, it could very well become a reality.

Once these extinct species are reborn, Colossal plans to collaborate with landowners, Indigenous groups, and governments to reintroduce them to the wild. The impact of rewilding on ecosystems can be profound, as seen with the successful reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park.

But Colossal’s vision extends beyond de-extinction. By supporting research and conservation efforts through initiatives like the Colossal Foundation, the startup is paving the way for a more sustainable future. Who knows what other extinct creatures might find their way back to life with Colossal’s groundbreaking technology?

This $10B Texas Startup Wants to Bring Back Extinct Animals Through Gene-Editing

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