Woolly Mammoths Could Be Back in Just Three Years

As the summer of 2025 approaches, moviegoers are gearing up for the release of Jurassic World Rebirth, a continuation of the iconic Jurassic Park saga. In this thrilling new entry, directed by Gareth Edwards, audiences will journey alongside Scarlett Johansson’s character, Zora Bennett, as she delves into the abandoned vestiges of Jurassic Park. Set 34 years after the catastrophic events of the original film, this new installment promises to explore deeper themes surrounding genetic engineering and de-extinction—a hot topic in both scientific and cinematic circles.

In a fascinating intersection of film and science, Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, revealed in a recent interview with ScreenRant that his company is just three years away from potentially reviving the woolly mammoth. During the exchange, Lamm affirmed that the first calves could see the light of day as early as 2028, stating, “Things are going pretty well,” and emphasizing the ambitious timeline for bringing back this long-extinct creature.

Our goal is to have our first calves by 2028. By the end of 2026, we’ll have our embryos. It’s a 22-month gestation. Separately, our animal operations team is working on northern white rhinos, southern rhinos, and elephants with what’s called OPO pickup—basically artificial insemination—which helps with conservation.

So right now our goal is still the end of 2028. Could it slip? Yeah. But if it does, I think it slips months, not decades. So yeah, things are going pretty well.

The Dawn of De-Extinction Technology

Woolly Mammoths in Our Future?

Colossal Biosciences, branded as the world’s first de-extinction company, leverages advanced genetic engineering techniques to resurrect extinct species. Previously, they successfully revived dire wolves by blending ancient DNA extracted from fossils with genetic material from their modern counterparts. It’s not just woolly mammoths; Lamm indicated that they are exploring engineering several other extinct animals as well. This venture raises ethical questions, highlighting the complex interplay between science, nature, and humanity’s role in conservation.

The original Jurassic Park narrative set a foundation for public fascination with genetic resurrection, demonstrating through a fictional lens how DNA from preserved insect specimens could yield dinosaurs. Colossal’s initiatives echo this notion, albeit in a more grounded manner. Unlike the dramatic versions of dinosaurs created in the movies, the engineered species developed in the lab might not retain all the characteristics of their ancient peers, as Lamm pointed out. This might explain why the dinosaurs depicted in Jurassic World Rebirth diverge from our collective prehistoric imaginings.

A New Perspective on De-Extinction

Exploring De-extinction’s Ethical Landscape

While the Jurassic Park franchise often underscores the perils and ethical dilemmas associated with reviving ancient creatures, the narrative of Jurassic World Rebirth could illuminate the potential benefits of such technologies. As Zora embarks on her mission, the film may present a refreshing perspective where engineered DNA doesn’t just resurrect risk but lends itself to restoration—a theme that resonates with Lamm’s insights on ecological balance, advancing scientific understanding, and rectifying human-induced extinctions.

The conversation surrounding genetic engineering and de-extinction is a contentious and captivating one. It challenges us to consider both moral and practical implications, inviting public discourse around the responsibilities we hold towards our planet and the creatures who once roamed it. With films like Jurassic World Rebirth, the cinematic landscape continues to cultivate awareness and provoke thought around these pressing issues that intertwine nature, science, and human curiosity.