Colossal Biosciences Aims to Revive Extinct Bluebuck Antelope by 2028
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Colossal Biosciences has added the extinct bluebuck antelope to its de-extinction portfolio, aiming for a birth around 2028. The company is in the final phase of genomic editing for the project and has support from South African conservation groups. Its flagship woolly mammoth revival effort remains on track for a similar timeline.
Facts First
- Colossal Biosciences aims to revive the extinct bluebuck antelope, a species that disappeared over 200 years ago.
- The bluebuck project is in the final phase of genomic editing, with a birth targeted for '2028-ish' via a surrogate.
- The company's woolly mammoth project is also on track for a first birth in 2028, with editing in its last stages.
- Colossal's de-extinction work is supported by conservation groups and involves partnerships with governments and scientists.
- The company has no plans for a traditional zoo, though revived species could live in public ecological preserves.
What Happened
Colossal Biosciences announced it is working to revive the bluebuck, an antelope species that went extinct in modern-day South Africa more than two centuries ago. This is the sixth species in the company's de-extinction portfolio. The company has obtained, mapped, and compared bluebuck DNA to its closest living relatives and the project is currently in the final phase of genomic editing. CEO Ben Lamm stated the company is aiming for a bluebuck birth in '2028-ish' following a nine-month gestation period via a surrogate.
Why this Matters to You
De-extinction science may one day allow you to see species lost for centuries, potentially in ecological preserves open to the public. This work could contribute to broader conservation and ecological restoration efforts, though the direct, tangible impacts on daily life are not yet clear.
What's Next
The next major step for the bluebuck project is the embryo transfer into a surrogate, which could lead to a birth around 2028. Colossal Biosciences' woolly mammoth team is also in the last stages of editing, with the next stage involving embryo transfer into elephants. The company's partnerships with governments, scientists, and indigenous peoples will likely be crucial for the eventual rewilding of any revived species.