From Mouse to Mammoth: The Bold Quest to Reverse Extinction

By Ashani Ahuja

New York City, USA

An animation of an elephant/mammoth (KELLEPICS / Pixabay)

A tiny mouse could be the first step toward bringing back one of history’s most iconic extinct creatures. In recent weeks, scientists have taken a bold step toward being able to reverse the extinction of the mammoth by creating a woolly mouse. This tiny, genetically engineered rodent carries traits of the long-lost woolly mammoth, bringing humanity closer than ever to resurrecting a species that vanished thousands of years ago. But as the dream of de-extinction inches toward reality, questions concerning its ethicality have arisen.

On March 4, 2025, researchers at Colossal Biosciences announced the successful creation of these modified mice, marking a major milestone in their effort to bring back the woolly mammoth by 2028. 

The team utilized advanced CRISPR gene editing techniques to introduce mammoth-specific genes into mouse embryos. This powerful technology enables scientists to precisely alter DNA by cutting and modifying specific genetic sequences. Inspired by a natural bacterial defense system, it works like molecular scissors, enabling targeted genetic changes with high accuracy. Using this technology, researchers identified key mammoth genes responsible for traits such as long, thick hair and enhanced fat metabolism through the comparative analysis of mammoth and elephant genomes. The resulting mice displayed longer, woolly, golden-colored coats and fat compositions akin to those of mammoths.

Beth Shapiro, chief science officer at Colossal Biosciences, expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating: "This is really validation that what we have in mind for our longer-term de-extinction project is really going to work." The success with mice provides strong validation that similar genetic modifications could be applied to larger animals, particularly Asian elephants, which share 99.6% of their DNA with woolly mammoths.

The company's plan involves editing specific mammoth genes into the Asian elephant genome to produce a hybrid capable of thriving in cold environments. Key traits targeted include a thick layer of insulating fat, distinct hair types, and smaller ears to minimize heat loss. Colossal aims to produce mammoth-like Asian elephant embryos by next year and their first calves by 2028. ​

While the scientific community acknowledges the technical achievements, some experts express skepticism regarding the broader implications. Vincent Lynch, a professor of biology at the University at Buffalo, remarked, "I'm pretty skeptical about this, but that mouse is pretty adorable." Critics argue that resources allocated to de-extinction could be better spent on conserving existing species facing extinction due to habitat loss and climate change. ​

Ethical considerations also rise to the forefront of discussions about de-extinction. Concerns include potential ecological disruptions, animal welfare issues, and the moral implications of reviving species whose natural habitats have vanished or transformed. Some fear that de-extinction projects might divert attention and funding from critical conservation efforts aimed at preserving current biodiversity. ​

Despite these challenges, Colossal Biosciences remains committed to its mission. The company envisions reintroducing mammoth-like creatures to help restore Arctic grasslands, potentially mitigating climate change effects by promoting carbon sequestration. Additionally, the technologies developed through its endeavors could have applications in preserving endangered species and enhancing genetic diversity. 

Beyond the woolly mammoth, Colossal has set its sights on reviving other extinct species, such as the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine). The company has raised over $400 million from investors, including notable figures like filmmaker Peter Jackson and entrepreneur Thomas Tull, to support these ambitious projects. 

As Colossal advances its de-extinction initiatives, the scientific community and the public continue to debate the potential benefits and risks. The prospect of seeing woolly mammoths roam the Earth once more captivates the public’s imagination, but it also prompts questions about our responsibilities toward nature and the ethical boundaries of scientific intervention.​