The idea of bringing extinct species back to life—de-extinction—once lived firmly in the realm of science fiction. But advances in genetic engineering are rapidly shifting that perception, and with it, the possibilities for conservation and ecological restoration. Colossal Biosciences, a company aiming to resurrect the woolly mammoth and other extinct species, is on track to potentially introduce its first genetically engineered mammoth calves by 2028, according to company timelines. This ambitious project, and the evolving conversation around de-extinction, is gaining traction even among scientists who were once skeptical.
Dr. Beth Shapiro, a leading expert in ancient DNA, has been studying the genetic material of extinct animals since the early 2000s, beginning her perform at the University of Oxford. Her early research coincided with growing public fascination with the idea of de-extinction, fueled in part by the influence of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park, published in 1990. “The first question a journalist ever asked a scientist in this field was: Can you one day bring back a woolly mammoth?” Shapiro recalls. She detailed the challenges and possibilities in her 2015 book, How to Clone a Mammoth, outlining the technological, ethical, and social hurdles that needed to be overcome.
From Science Fiction to Scientific Pursuit
Shapiro, currently on a three-year sabbatical from the University of California, Santa Cruz, now serves as the chief science officer at Colossal Biosciences. She explains that the fundamental difference between the early discussions of de-extinction and the current reality is the advancement of technology. “What’s changed is the technology has advanced to the point where all of the foundational tools that we need to make it happen exist. Now they just need to be accelerated and be pushed to the extreme,” she says. A key breakthrough has been in multiplex-genome engineering – the ability to edit multiple genes simultaneously.
The process isn’t simply about recreating an exact genetic copy. With the dire wolf project, Colossal identified approximately 20 genetic edits needed in the gray wolf genome to recreate the physical characteristics, behavior, and ecological role of the extinct dire wolf. Yet, other species targeted for de-extinction may require significantly more edits – potentially thousands, tens of thousands, or even a million – presenting a substantial scaling challenge.
Shifting Perceptions Within the Scientific Community
The rapid pace of progress has understandably met with skepticism, both from the public and within the scientific community. However, Dr. Andrew Pask, Colossal’s chief biology officer and head of research efforts in Australia, notes a shift in perception. This change is driven by recent successes, including breakthroughs in combating Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a fatal disease affecting elephants, and the potential for the dire wolf project to positively impact American red wolf populations, as reported by Den of Geek.
“This big shift has happened as we’ve also proven that we’re having real conservation outcomes,” Pask explains. He notes that initial skepticism at conservation conferences has given way to a more receptive attitude as Colossal demonstrates tangible results. “I think initially people were just really skeptical…But I think now, as we’re actually achieving those goals and showing these things, people are going, ‘This is actually an important path forward.’”
The Mammoth Project: A Timeline and Approach
Colossal’s primary focus remains the woolly mammoth. The company isn’t aiming to create a perfect replica of the extinct animal, but rather a hybrid – a mammoth-like elephant engineered to thrive in the Arctic environment. This approach involves incorporating mammoth traits, such as thick fur and subcutaneous fat, into the genome of the Asian elephant, the mammoth’s closest living relative. According to Colossal, the goal is to create a cold-resistant elephant that can support restore the Arctic tundra ecosystem.
The process involves using CRISPR gene-editing technology to make precise changes to the elephant genome. Researchers are working to identify and insert the genes responsible for mammoth characteristics. The resulting cells are then used to create embryos, which would be implanted into a surrogate elephant mother. Whereas significant hurdles remain, including the complexities of elephant gestation and the potential for unforeseen consequences, Colossal maintains that the project is on track for the birth of the first mammoth calves by 2028.
Beyond the Mammoth: A Broader Vision for De-Extinction
Colossal’s ambitions extend beyond the mammoth. The company is also working on projects to de-extinct the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) and the dodo bird. Shapiro, whose early work involved recreating DNA data from a dodo, believes that the potential benefits of de-extinction are significant. “The goal of an ancient DNA scientist is to use the past as an evolutionary experiment,” she says, as reported by Modern Science.
The National Academy of Sciences elected Shapiro as a member in 2025, recognizing her contributions to the field of evolutionary molecular biology. She was also awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2009 and holds a Rhodes Scholarship from 1999. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1976, Shapiro’s career has been marked by a dedication to understanding the past through the lens of genetics.
As the field of de-extinction continues to evolve, the ethical and ecological implications will undoubtedly remain a subject of debate. However, with ongoing advancements in technology and a growing understanding of the potential benefits, the dream of bringing back extinct species is moving closer to reality. The next major milestone for Colossal Biosciences will be the continued development of viable embryos and the preparation for potential implantation, with updates expected throughout 2026 and 2027.
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