Colossal Biosciences, a biotech startup focused on bringing back extinct species such as the mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger, is only two years old yet operates at high speed. Leveraging the latest genetic techniques, it targets a breakthrough that could turn the long-standing dream into reality within the next few years. The company recently set a hopeful milestone: a potential mammoth revival could occur by 2027 or 2028 at the latest, with the aim of seeing these legendary giants roam once more across Arctic tundra landscapes.
Although Colossal is prioritizing several species in its broader program, the mammoth remains the focal point. The attention is driven by practical advantages: exceptionally well-preserved remains, including near-intact calves found in permafrost, provide high-quality DNA. Related species, such as the African elephant, offer a feasible path for developing viable embryos, while scientists argue that reintroducing mammoths could influence tundra ecosystems in meaningful ways.
The core tool employed by the team is a widely used gene-editing platform known as CRISPR. DNA recovered from Arctic mammoths is supplemented with genetic material from modern elephants, resulting in a genome that is about 99.6 percent identical to the extinct animal. As stated by the company, once a viable embryo is created, the next step would be to place it in the womb of an African elephant to develop. The choice of African elephants over Asian counterparts lies in the closer genetic affinity to mammoths.
Historically, the last mammoths disappeared roughly four millennia ago. Colossal predicts that within five years a viable specimen could emerge from this research, with more individuals gradually integrated into their former Arctic habitat where they once thrived.
Beyond mammoths, the company also pursues the revival of other iconic species. The dodo, a large flightless bird native to Mauritius, fell to extinction with the arrival of humans in the 17th century. The Tasmanian tiger, a marsupial native to Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania, vanished in the early 20th century, and both projects form part of Colossal’s broader ambition.
Questions about the outcome
Public discourse has raised doubts about how far such efforts can go. Scientific studies emphasize that reversing extinction is not straightforward. Even when a revived animal becomes viable, it is unlikely to be an exact replica of the original species. Researchers warn that the recovered organism may differ in meaningful ways.
One reason is that gaps in the ancient genome can be filled with DNA from a different species, potentially altering core traits. Missing genetic segments may influence development and health in unpredictable ways. Even with near-identical genetics, social behavior and ecological roles could resemble those of the species used to complete the genome rather than the extinct ancestor. In practice, the revived animal may behave like a hybrid, complicating predictions about its long-term viability in an ecosystem.
These considerations underscore that any revival project must account for ecological dynamics, animal welfare, and practical care needs. The broader scientific community continues to debate the feasibility and advisability of bringing back extinct species, weighing potential benefits against risks and ethical questions.
For additional context and ongoing updates, researchers and policymakers request careful, responsible discussion about ecological balance, habitat readiness, and long-term stewardship as the work progresses.