Cloning endangered and extinct animal species: Can we finally bring back the woolly mammoth?

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• July 20, 2022

Insight summary

Advancements in gene-editing technology are sparking interest in cloning endangered and extinct species to restore ecosystems. While this biotechnology offers potential benefits, concerns about species adaptability and ethical dilemmas persist. The broader implications include increased animal rights advocacy, government budget allocation for genetic research, and the application of cloning technology to plants and humans for conservation purposes.

Cloning endangered and extinct animals context

As the capabilities of gene-editing technology CRISPR advance, the scientific community is exploring the potential of cloning endangered and extinct species. This approach aims to reintroduce these species into their natural habitats, contributing to the restoration and balance of ecosystems. In a notable instance, paleontologists in Northeast China uncovered dinosaur fossils in 2021, which included remarkably preserved cells. While these findings are significant, the practicality of cloning dinosaurs remains questionable, but the concept opens doors for other species.

The idea of using cloning to aid in conservation efforts is not purely theoretical. In a breakthrough development, the US Fish and Wildlife Service reported the successful cloning of a black-footed ferret in 2021. This achievement was made possible by utilizing a frozen tissue sample stored at the San Diego Zoo. The reintroduction of black-footed ferrets into the wild could enhance the genetic diversity of ecosystems, which is crucial for their health and stability.

This trend in biotechnology poses several implications for society and the environment. While it offers a novel approach to conservation, ethical and ecological considerations arise. For instance, the reintroduction of certain species may disrupt existing ecosystems or lead to unforeseen consequences. Additionally, the technology’s accessibility and regulation are vital to ensure its responsible use. 

Disruptive impact

Genetic engineering aimed at de-extincting species presents a unique perspective on addressing modern challenges. One compelling application of this technology is the potential fusion of woolly mammoth DNA with the Asian elephant, their closest living relative. This genetic amalgamation could equip Asian elephants with the ability to thrive in freezing climates, reducing their dependence on increasingly threatened humid and arid environments due to deforestation. Moreover, the ecological impact of woolly mammoths, which involves the creation of grassland tundras through tree clearing, has the potential to enhance carbon absorption, rivaling even rainforests.

However, critics raise valid concerns about the practicality of reintroducing species that may no longer adapt to the current environment, potentially resulting in failed experiments. The ethical dilemma of keeping such species in captivity or exploiting them for public display also looms large. Despite these challenges, proponents advocate for the thorough exploration of genetic engineering's limitless possibilities. 

Governments and biotech companies may need to grapple with the delicate balance between scientific advancement and ethical responsibility. The potential benefits, from mitigating environmental threats to expanding our understanding of genetics, are undeniable. However, the uncertainties and ethical concerns surrounding the resurrection of extinct species require a measured approach, emphasizing rigorous scientific scrutiny, thoughtful policy development, and public engagement.

Implications for cloning endangered and extinct animals

Wider implications of re-introducing endangered and extinct species into the wild may include:

• Animal rights activists lobbying for clear regulations and rights of cloned animals, including how to handle “failed experiments.”


• Governments gradually applying annual budgets to the de-extinction of indigenous animal species.


• Zoos building cloning laboratories that are designed to collect, store, and manage DNA samples and perform cloning procedures as needed.


• Geneticists cloning some popular species for educational or entertainment purposes, including small dinosaurs and other rare species.


• Increasing the monitoring of nature reserves worldwide as cloned animals are gradually reintroduced into the wild.


• Similar cloning and CRISPR technology advancements being applied to endangered and extinct species of plants that can be reintroduced for similar purposes to extinct animals.


• Similar cloning and CRISPR technology advancements being applied to cloning humans.

Questions to consider

• Do you think extinct species should be brought back to the wild?


• How do you think governments will regulate cloning animals?