10 Extinct Animals Scientists Are Trying to Clone: The Dawn of De-Extinction

Introduction to De-Extinction and Cloning Extinct Animals

Feature Video

De-extinction, the process of resurrecting extinct species through advanced genetic engineering and cloning techniques, is no longer science fiction. Scientists worldwide are pushing the boundaries of biotechnology to bring back iconic animals lost to time. From the icy tundras where woolly mammoths once roamed to the forests that echoed with passenger pigeon flocks, efforts are underway to clone these magnificent creatures. This article explores 10 extinct animals scientists are trying to clone, highlighting groundbreaking projects, ethical debates, and the potential impact on biodiversity. With CRISPR gene editing and preserved DNA samples, de-extinction could revolutionize conservation, but it raises profound questions about playing God with nature.

Projects like those from Colossal Biosciences and Revive & Restore are at the forefront, using techniques such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Cloning extinct animals isn’t just about nostalgia; it could restore ecosystems, combat climate change, and provide insights into evolution. However, challenges like degraded DNA, surrogate mothers, and ecological repercussions persist. Let’s dive into the top 10 extinct animals on scientists’ cloning radars.

1. Woolly Mammoth: The Elephantine Giant of the Ice Age

The woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), extinct for about 4,000 years, tops the list of extinct animals scientists are trying to clone. Frozen specimens from Siberian permafrost have yielded remarkably intact DNA. Colossal Biosciences, founded by Ben Lamm and George Church, aims to create mammoth-elephant hybrids by editing Asian elephant genomes with mammoth traits like thick fur, cold-resistant blood, and curved tusks.

Progress includes viable elephant iPSCs and CRISPR edits for 50+ mammoth genes. The goal? Reintroduce these behemoths to Arctic tundra to trample snow, promoting grass growth and combating permafrost thaw. Ethical concerns include animal welfare and ecosystem disruption, but proponents argue it could save elephants from extinction. Estimated timeline: hybrid calves by 2028.

2. Passenger Pigeon: The Sky-Darkening Flock

Once numbering in billions, the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) vanished in 1914 due to overhunting. Revive & Restore leads efforts to clone this extinct bird, using museum specimens for DNA sequencing. Their plan involves editing band-tailed pigeon genomes to recreate passenger pigeon traits like speed and social flocking.

Ben Novak’s project has assembled a near-complete genome. Challenges include avian cloning difficulties, but success could restore pollination and seed dispersal in North American forests. Cloning extinct animals like this could demonstrate de-extinction’s feasibility for birds, with trials potentially starting in controlled aviaries soon.

3. Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine): Australia’s Ghostly Predator

The thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus), went extinct in 1936. Australian scientists at the University of Melbourne are decoding its genome from preserved pups in ethanol. Using CRISPR on fat-tailed dunnart genomes—the thylacine’s closest living relative—they aim to recreate its striped back, pouch, and wolf-like jaws.

Colossal Biosciences joined in 2022 with $5 million funding. The project could revive Tasmania’s apex predator, balancing ecosystems overrun by invasive species. Despite fragmented DNA, AI-assisted assembly is promising. First thylacine clones might emerge by 2030.

4. Dodo: The Flightless Icon of Mauritius

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus), famously hunted to extinction by 1662, is a cloning candidate thanks to well-preserved bones. Revive & Restore and Colossal are sequencing its genome, planning edits on Nicobar pigeon DNA for its plump body and hooked beak.

This de-extinction effort highlights island ecology restoration. Releasing dodos could aid seed dispersal for native plants. While DNA quality is decent, surrogate challenges remain. Public fascination, fueled by Alice in Wonderland, boosts funding for cloning this quirky bird.

5. Pyrenean Ibex: The First Cloned Extinct Animal

In a historic 2003 feat, Spanish scientists cloned the Pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica), extinct since 2000, using domestic goat surrogates. The kid lived 7 minutes, proving cloning extinct animals is possible despite mitochondrial DNA mismatches.

Revive & Restore continues refinement for healthier clones. This goat subspecies could repopulate Pyrenean mountains, enhancing biodiversity. Lessons from this milestone inform broader de-extinction strategies.

6. Quagga: Half-Zebra, Half-Horse Wonder

The quagga (Equus quagga quagga), extinct in 1883, had zebra stripes only on its front. The Quagga Project in South Africa breeds look-alikes via selective breeding, while geneticists extract DNA from hides for true cloning using plains zebra surrogates.

Grazing habits could restore Serengeti grasslands. With viable embryos possible soon, this project bridges breeding and cloning for extinct subspecies revival.

7. Great Auk: The Penguin-Like Seabird

The great auk (Pinguinus impennis), extinct by 1844, resembled a penguin but was northern. DNA from eggshells fuels cloning attempts via razorbill relatives. Revive & Restore eyes it for North Atlantic restoration, where it controlled fish populations.

Cloning challenges include marine adaptations, but success could mitigate overfishing impacts.

8. Aurochs: Ancient Cattle Ancestor

The aurochs (Bos primigenius), wild cattle extinct in 1627, roamed Europe. The Tauros Programme back-breeds proxies, while geneticists clone using domestic cattle DNA insertions. Revived aurochs could promote rewilding, maintaining grasslands.

Robust genomes make this feasible, with herds possibly grazing by decade’s end.

9. Saber-Toothed Cat (Smilodon): Prehistoric Predator

Smilodon fatalis, extinct 10,000 years ago, featured 11-inch fangs. La Brea Tar Pits fossils provide DNA scraps. Hypothetical cloning via lion or tiger surrogates sparks debate, but ancient DNA experts like Beth Shapiro note degradation issues.

If achieved, it could reveal Ice Age dynamics, though timelines stretch decades.

10. Moa: New Zealand’s Towering Bird

The moa (Dinornithiformes), giant flightless birds up to 12 feet tall, vanished post-Maori arrival. Ancient DNA from bones enables genome assembly. Editing emu or ostrich genomes aims for revival to restore podocarp forests via seed spread.

New Zealand’s Te Punaha Matatini project advances this, balancing cultural Maori views.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Cloning Extinct Animals

Cloning extinct animals faces hurdles: DNA fragmentation, surrogate compatibility, and hybrid viability. Ethically, should we prioritize de-extinction over endangered species? Risks include disease spread and ecological mismatches. Yet, benefits like genetic diversity and climate solutions are compelling.

The Future of De-Extinction

As biotech advances, cloning these 10 extinct animals could herald a new era. From mammoths to moas, success stories will redefine conservation. Stay tuned—de-extinction is closer than you think. (Word count: 1,248)