The recent illegal release of four Eurasian lynx into the Scottish Highlands has sparked renewed discussion about reintroducing these large cats, which have been extinct in the British Isles for centuries. Advocates for rewilding have long supported the return of lynx and other lost species to Britain. However, Texan businessman Ben Lamm is taking this concept to the extreme with his start-up, Colossal Biosciences, which aims to be the world’s first “de-extinction” company. One of its ambitious goals is to resurrect the woolly mammoth.
The woolly mammoth, which disappeared around 4,000 years ago due to human hunting and climate change, last roamed Britain approximately 12,000 BC. By utilizing ancient DNA and modern gene-editing techniques, Colossal believes it is on the brink of creating mammoth embryos. Despite drawing comparisons to Jurassic Park, Lamm remains undeterred, quipping, “Believe it or not, we occasionally get the Jurassic Park reference.”
In addition to the mammoth, Colossal is exploring the revival of other extinct species such as the Dodo, a flightless bird from Mauritius that perished in the 1600s, and the Tasmanian Tiger, a carnivorous marsupial hunted to extinction in the 1930s. Despite sounding like science fiction, Colossal has secured significant funding for its groundbreaking efforts, with recent investment totaling $200 million and a valuation of $10.2 billion.
Notable investors in Colossal include Hollywood figures like Peter Jackson and Paris Hilton, as well as backing from In-Q-Tel, a fund linked to the CIA, and US Innovative Technology, a defense-focused fund led by billionaire Thomas Tull. Lamm, a Texan entrepreneur with a varied background in e-learning, gaming, artificial intelligence, and satellites, has spearheaded Colossal’s mission. Collaborating with Harvard geneticist George Church, who pioneered genetic splicing of mammoth DNA onto elephant genes in 2015 using the CRISPR technique, Lamm is committed to realizing the resurrection of extinct species.
While advancing genetic editing technology offers promising possibilities, Church’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein has raised scrutiny. Despite this, Church’s groundbreaking research and potential to bring back extinct species have captured global attention. Lamm envisions a future where genetic editing advancements could make the once fantastical idea of resurrecting extinct creatures a reality.
The idea may seem unbelievable, but it has actually been accomplished once before. In 2003, Spanish scientists successfully brought back the recently extinct Iberian Ibex by using cloned DNA inserted into a host. Although the baby Ibex only lived for a few minutes, it was seen as a glimpse of the possibility of resurrecting extinct species through scientific means rather than magic or miracles, as detailed in the book Regenesis by Church and Ed Regis. This advancement in genomic technologies opens doors to replay scenes from our evolutionary past and explore uncharted territories in evolution.
Colossal is taking a unique approach that differs from traditional cloning methods seen in popular culture like Jurassic Park. While the movie depicted cloning dinosaur DNA with genes from living creatures like frogs, the reality is that preserved “ancient DNA” is not viable for cloning. Colossal’s process, described by Lamm as “Jurassic Park in reverse,” involves editing the DNA of an Asian elephant, which shares 99.6% similarity with that of an ancient mammoth, to create a mammoth-like creature. The company is in the editing phase of this project, with a goal to have the first mammoth calves by late 2028.
Although the success of the mammoth breeding project could make history, the profitability of such a venture is not immediately clear. However, Colossal has attracted significant funding due to the potential of its technology, with investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. The company has also established spin-off ventures, including Form Bio for gene therapy development and Breaking, a start-up focused on breaking down plastic using a discovered microbe called X-32.
Despite its ambitious goals, Colossal has faced skepticism from some scientists and researchers regarding the feasibility of its projects. Critics have raised concerns that the company’s focus on de-extinction could divert attention and resources away from existing endangered species. To address these concerns, Colossal established a $50 million non-profit foundation last year aimed at supporting at-risk species and conservation efforts.
The renowned organization Colossal is actively engaged in a variety of projects aimed at safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity. These projects span from developing vaccines to protect elephants from deadly diseases to utilizing cutting-edge AI tools to monitor and manage wild populations. Colossal’s work is not merely a redirection of existing conservation funds, as emphasized by its founder, Lamm. Rather, the organization views its efforts as complementary to traditional conservation methods, advocating for a collaborative approach in addressing environmental challenges.
While Colossal pursues ambitious goals, such as the de-extinction of species like the Thylacine and the eventual birth of mammoth calves in late 2028, ethical considerations loom large. Recent incidents, like the unauthorized release of Eurasian lynx in the Scottish Highlands resulting in the tragic death of one of the animals, underscore the complexities and risks associated with reintroducing species into the wild.
To navigate these ethical dilemmas, Colossal has enlisted the expertise of top bioethicists and conservation partners globally. These experts are tasked with evaluating the potential ecological impacts of the company’s endeavors, ensuring responsible and informed decision-making. Notably, Colossal has steered clear of incorporating human DNA into its research, citing concerns about public perception and the involvement of entities like In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s venture capital arm, in their initiatives.
While some tech circles advocate for transhumanism – the fusion of technology and genetics to enhance human capabilities – Colossal remains committed to focusing on non-human species. Founder Lamm emphasizes the importance of a cautious and transparent approach to genetic modification, particularly in light of varying global perspectives on the matter. While recognizing the inevitability of genetic engineering advancements, Lamm highlights the need for governmental oversight and international cooperation to navigate the ethical and regulatory landscape effectively.
As Colossal progresses towards realizing its synthetic biology ambitions, questions persist about the viability and sustainability of “de-extinct” creatures in the modern world. Drawing on iconic lines from Jurassic Park, Lamm acknowledges the unpredictable nature of life and the challenges inherent in reanimating extinct species. The potential implications of Colossal’s endeavors extend beyond scientific curiosity, raising critical questions about ecological balance, ethical responsibilities, and societal perceptions of biotechnological advancements.
Looking ahead, Colossal’s pioneering work in synthetic biology promises to reshape our understanding of conservation and genetic engineering. With a commitment to transparency, ethical considerations, and collaboration with experts, the organization navigates the complex intersection of technology, biodiversity, and ethics. As society grapples with the implications of de-extinction and genetic modification, Colossal stands at the forefront of innovation, challenging conventional conservation paradigms and shaping the future of biodiversity preservation.
In a rapidly evolving landscape where scientific advancements blur the lines between fiction and reality, Colossal’s pursuit of de-extinction and genetic engineering underscores the need for thoughtful reflection, ethical deliberation, and global cooperation. As the boundaries of possibility expand, the world watches with a mix of anticipation and apprehension, contemplating the
