Is a Woolly Mammoth Clone Even Possible?

Some researchers believe that reintroducing mammoths could help combat global warming by restoring the mammoth steppe ecosystem, which could slow permafrost thawing.

Others see it as a breakthrough in elephant conservation, using the technology developed for mammoth de-extinction to help endangered species like the Asian elephant and African elephant.

Bringing back a woolly mammoth isn’t as simple as finding some frozen DNA and zapping it back to life like in a sci-fi movie (looking at you, "Jurassic Park").

Instead, researchers are taking a more scientific approach — using elephant cells to create an elephant-mammoth hybrid. Since the mammoth's closest living relative is the Asian elephant, scientists are editing its DNA to include woolly mammoth traits, such as thick fur, fat deposits and cold resistance.

The process involves extracting DNA from well-preserved mammoth remains and using CRISPR gene-editing technology to modify Asian elephant embryos. These embryos, containing mammoth-like characteristics, could then be implanted into a surrogate elephant mother or grown in an artificial womb.

While still in early stages, scientists have made progress toward creating viable hybrid embryos.

Scientists believe that reintroducing mammoth-like creatures to the arctic tundra could help restore the mammoth steppe, a once-thriving grassland ecosystem in the last ice age. By trampling snow and knocking down trees, mammoths could slow permafrost melt and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, potentially helping to mitigate global warming.

Additionally, advancements in cloning and genetic engineering could support elephant conservation. The technology used to bring back the mammoth could also help protect endangered species, such as the Asian elephant, by introducing cold-resistant traits that allow them to survive in different environments.

In theory, the knowledge gained from mammoth de-extinction could benefit other conservation efforts as well.

While the idea of seeing a woolly mammoth walk the Earth again is exciting, there are concerns about the risks involved.

One major issue is whether these hybrid animals would be considered an invasive species. If reintroduced into the wild, they could disrupt existing ecosystems in unpredictable ways, potentially harming native wildlife.

There are also ethical questions surrounding mammoth de-extinction. Would creating an elephant-mammoth hybrid divert resources from protecting endangered elephants? And would these resurrected creatures truly be woolly mammoths, or just genetically modified elephants?

Despite the enthusiasm of true believers like George Church, some critics argue that efforts should focus on preserving species that are currently at risk rather than bringing back lost species from thousands of years ago.

While significant progress has been made, the woolly mammoth project is still in development, and we are likely years away from seeing a real-life mammoth hybrid.

Scientists at companies such as Colossal Biosciences continue to refine their techniques for editing elephant cells and ensuring that the resulting creatures can survive in their intended environment.

The goal is not just to create a mammoth-like animal, but to ensure that it can thrive and contribute to the restoration of the arctic tundra.

As research continues, the debate over mammoth de-extinction remains a hot topic. Whether or not these prehistoric giants return, the technology being developed could revolutionize conservation efforts and deepen our understanding of genetics and ecology.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.