Colossal aims to bring back mammoth by 2028

Based in Austin, Texas, biotech Colossal Biosciences is at the forefront of de-extinction, critically endangered species protection and the repopulation of critical ecosystems. 

Its mission is to use CRISPR technology to bring back extinct animals, such as the mammoth, the thylacine, and the dodo.

Since DNA was recovered in 2021 from mammoths frozen in the Arctic tundra, the company has been working on splicing bits of the recovered DNA into the genome of its closest relative, the Asian elephant, as it shares 99.6% of its DNA. 

Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences spoke with us about the company’s plans.

01:03-02:57: Introduction to Ben Lamm
02:57-04:26: About Colossal Biosciences
04:26-09:35: What techniques are used to tackle de-extinction?
09:35-13:48: What are the biggest challenges?
13:48-14:57: What tools do you need to ‘build’ an extinct species? 
14:57-19:17: How do you address not adversely affecting ecosystems?
19:17-22:22: How do you take on negativity over your de-extinction work?
22:22-23:26: Reintroducing existing species into previous habitats?
23:26-24:06: Does this extend to critically endangered species?
24:06-25:54: Why is there a lot of interest in de-extinction?
25:54-28:10: How do you ensure we don’t repeat the same patterns of extinction?
28:10-29:38: Can you address the loss of current species?
29:38-30:35: How can you help solve the loss of species?
30:35-33:48: Addressing the challenges of introducing different species?
33:48-35:22: Transparency through documentaries
35:22-37:27: 2028 goal for mammoth calves

Interested in being a sponsor of an episode of our podcast? Discover how you can get involved here! 

Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter