Colossal Biosciences has engineered "woolly mice" by modifying their DNA with key genetic traits from woolly mammoths, demonstrating their ability to recreate ancient physical characteristics. By identifying and altering eight key genes responsible for hair length, thickness, and texture, the scientists successfully produced mice with coats similar to mammoths, validating their gene-editing process. The company aims to apply these same techniques to Asian elephants, which share 95% of their genome with mammoths, to create a woolly mammoth-elephant hybrid. Colossal hopes to achieve the first mammoth embryos by 2026 and live calves by 2028, with the ultimate goal of rewilding parts of Canada or Alaska with these animals.
Despite this progress, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility and ethics of reviving a long-extinct species. Critics argue that while the genetic modifications in mice are a step forward, they do not guarantee the successful transformation of elephants into mammoth-like creatures. Significant challenges remain, including the long gestation periods of elephants and limited success with reproductive technologies. Additionally, concerns persist regarding the ecological impact of reintroducing mammoths into modern ecosystems. Colossal insists that any rewilding effort will be carefully studied to prevent harm, but the broader scientific community remains cautious about the project's ultimate viability.