Colossal Biosciences has delayed its ambitious plan to revive the woolly mammoth, with the first mammoth-like calf now expected in the early 2030s instead of 2028.
The company originally planned to begin a pregnancy in 2027 and welcome its first calf a year later. CEO Ben Lamm now says there is no exact launch date, but the project is targeting the early 2030s.
One reason for the delay is the growing complexity of the genetic engineering involved. Colossal initially identified around 65 genes that would need to be edited to give an Asian elephant mammoth-like characteristics. The company now believes more than 150 genetic changes may be required.
To tackle the challenge, Colossal is combining AI with CRISPR gene-editing technology. The same tools are being used across its other de-extinction projects involving species such as the dodo, Tasmanian tiger and moa.
The final animal would not be an exact genetic recreation of a woolly mammoth. Instead, Colossal aims to create a cold-resistant elephant carrying the mammoth’s most important biological traits. Asian elephants are being used as the foundation because of their close genetic relationship to mammoths.
The company has already demonstrated some of its research by creating 38 “woolly mice” carrying genes associated with mammoth-like hair and identifying genetic changes connected to the mammoth’s smaller ears.
Colossal previously used a similar strategy for its dire wolf project, genetically modifying gray wolves to express traits associated with the extinct species.
Its work on the giant moa is also progressing, with researchers using 3D-printed eggs and experimental reproductive technology as part of an effort to eventually recreate traits of the extinct 12-foot bird.
Despite the delay, Colossal continues to use AI and genetic engineering to move closer to producing its first mammoth-like animal.