Colossal, a Dallas-based biotech company, is on a mission to revive the long-dead woolly mammoth from extinction by 2027. With an additional $60 million in funding obtained last year, they have set out to recreate this ancient beast through gene-editing techniques. This endeavor is part of their effort to combat climate change by reintroducing the woolly mammoth into its original habitat in order to restore balance and health in the Arctic ecosystem.
The DNA of a woolly mammoth is 99.6 percent similar to that of an Asian elephant, giving Colossal scientists confidence that they can realistically achieve their ambitious goal. The plan is to edit genes responsible for making cold-resistant traits, then insert these modified genes into an African elephant embryo so that it can give birth to a new and improved version of the extinct animal. After birth, the creature will then be released with other members of its species into regions of the Arctic where it can reinforce local plant life with its specialized migration patterns and diet habits.
The successful de-extinction of not only the woolly mammoth but also the Tasmanian tiger (also known as thylacine) will undoubtedly lead to intense ethical debates around how best to handle such creatures and any potential issues related to repopulating areas with them. There are many questions yet unanswered regarding how much autonomy we afford such animals when allocating resources or protecting them from threats such as poaching or human encroachment.
Already numerous conservation organizations have spoken out against reviving vanished species, contending that it draws attention away from existing endangered creatures who need attention more urgently than something that no longer exists. However, those in favor suggest it could bring positive benefits not just from ecological standpoints but also economically, providing new sources of revenue for communities living alongside newly reanimated wildlife through ecotourism initiatives or sales from tusks and hides for export markets.
We must wait for Colossal’s efforts to bear fruit before we know whether their dream will become reality. If they indeed succeed in resurrecting these impressive creatures then we must consider carefully what kind of place society has prepared for them in our world today, bearing all factors in mind, before deciding whether or not this endeavor was worth undertaking.
