A groundbreaking development in the field of de-extinction has revealed a promising possibility that a long-lost species could be resurrected before the year 2028. The ambitious venture is being spearheaded by Colossal Biosciences, a pioneering biotech start-up based in Texas, with a strong focus on bringing back iconic creatures such as the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger.
Ben Lamm, the CEO of Colossal Biosciences, has expressed confidence in the potential resurrection of the Tasmanian tiger and the dodo before the revival of the woolly mammoth, which has an estimated extinction date of around 4,000 years ago. Lamm revealed that the company is progressing simultaneously with efforts to revive all three species, with a target date set for late 2028 for the first mammoth revival.
The Tasmanian tiger, declared extinct in 1982, possesses the shortest gestation period among the three species, requiring only a few weeks for pregnancy. On the other hand, the dodo, a flightless bird that disappeared in the 17th century, has a gestation period of approximately one month. Despite the different timelines, Lamm declined to disclose which species has a higher likelihood of being resurrected first, maintaining suspense around the groundbreaking project.
Colossal Biosciences, established in 2021 by Ben Lamm and Harvard University geneticist George Church, is leveraging cutting-edge gene-editing technology to recreate the essential genes of extinct species using DNA from closely related living species. For instance, the woolly mammoth shares 99.5% of its genes with the Asian elephant, highlighting the scientific marvel behind the de-extinction process.
Celebrity endorsements and substantial funding underline the significance of the project, with stars like Chris Hemsworth and Paris Hilton supporting the initiative. The company’s valuation stands at an impressive 1.7 billion US dollars, with additional funding allocated for the launch of the Colossal Foundation, aimed at supporting conservation efforts for endangered species like the vaquita, the northern white rhino, and the pink pigeon.
“As well as our groundbreaking de-extinction work, we are committed to conservation and species preservation efforts,” Lamm stated. The company’s mission extends beyond resurrecting long-lost species, with a focus on developing technologies for conservation groups and contributing to vital research in the field of conservation.
With the promise of potentially witnessing the resurrection of iconic extinct species within the next few years, Colossal Biosciences is at the forefront of scientific innovation, paving the way for a future where long-lost creatures could once again roam the Earth.