Man On A Mission To Revive Extinct Woolly Mammoths—Predicts Their Return By 2028

Ben Lamm is out here trying to do the impossible, bring woolly mammoths back from extinction with a plan that sounds like sci-fi but comes with a real timeline: 2028.

He leads Colossal Biosciences, and the company’s approach is not “just clone a mammoth from ice.” Instead, they’re blending mammoth DNA with that of the Asian elephant, betting on biology, timing, and a whole lot of stubborn optimism. Meanwhile, critics are side-eyeing the entire idea because Earth is warmer than ever, and they’re not convinced woolly mammoths can handle today’s climate.

And yes, the most wild part is that Lamm is already thinking past one comeback, he wants to scale it.

Ben Lamm is on a mission to make history by reviving a prehistoric beast.

Colossal Biosciences

The leader of this revolutionary comeback is none other than Ben Lamm. He’s the visionary behind Colossal Biosciences—a company aiming to reverse extinction itself. 

But Ben and his team aren’t satisfied with just saving endangered species—they’re working to bring the extinct back to life. Let’s dive into the fascinating science behind this seemingly impossible feat. 

It’s been four millennia since the last woolly mammoth roamed the Earth. While the exact reason for their extinction is still up for debate, Ben Lamm believes he has the key to reverse this ancient loss. 

His team isn’t just cloning a mammoth from a block of ice. Instead, they're using cutting-edge biotechnology to blend mammoth DNA with that of its closest living relative—the Asian elephant.

The cherry on top? This project isn’t just a distant dream. In fact, Lamm says it’s “highly likely” that by 2028, the woolly mammoth will be making its grand return. 

Of course, not everyone is on board with this mammoth-sized plan. Critics have pointed out that our planet is currently experiencing record-breaking temperatures. 

They argue that today’s climate may be far too hot for woolly mammoths to survive. But Ben Lamm was quick to dismiss this concern as a misunderstanding.

Lamm’s “highly likely” 2028 prediction is where the whole mammoth comeback stops sounding theoretical and starts sounding like a countdown.

Ethical Considerations in De-Extinction

As society embarks on this journey, engaging with ethicists and conservationists can ensure that the revival of extinct species aligns with ecological integrity and respect for all living beings.

Can woolly mammoths survive in our warming world? Lamm's vision challenges the skeptics.

LEONELLO CALVETTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

The critics jump in fast, pointing to record-breaking temperatures and asking how a woolly mammoth would survive out there in the real world.

 

Lamm's confidence in their ability to adapt is backed by a dedicated team of 145 scientists at Colossal Biosciences—17 of whom are focused exclusively on the creation of artificial wombs to help bring these extinct creatures back to life.

Lamm doesn’t plan on just reviving one or two mammoths, either. He’s thinking bigger—way bigger. His goal is to repopulate the Earth with entire herds of genetically diverse mammoths that can thrive and sustain themselves without human intervention. 

And just like the polished Instagram shots in How Polished Photos Shape Expectations And What Reality Really Looks Like, mammoth revival hype needs to face reality.

By 2028, Lamm plans to turn science fiction into science fact by resurrecting mammoths from their icy graves

Colossal Biosciences

Then the story gets even more specific, because Lamm’s team of 145 scientists includes 17 focused on building artificial wombs for the revival.

The quest to revive the woolly mammoth is not just a scientific endeavor but a potential game changer for ecological balance. The article highlights how the reintroduction of such megafauna might mitigate climate change effects by restoring natural habitats. This approach underscores a growing recognition of the ecological roles that extinct species once played and how their revival could enhance biodiversity, which is crucial for a resilient ecosystem. As the timeline for the potential return of these creatures approaches, the conversation shifts from mere scientific curiosity to serious environmental implications. The idea that de-extinction could contribute positively to our planet's health adds a layer of urgency and responsibility to the ongoing discussions about how we interact with and restore our natural world.

After woolly mammoths, Lamm plans to move on to other extinct species like the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger. Why? In his words, we have a “moral obligation” to reverse the damage humans have done over centuries.

And just when you think the plan is already huge, Lamm’s not talking about a couple mammoths, he’s talking big enough to change the entire conversation about de-extinction.

So, if you ever thought Jurassic Park was pure fiction, think again. We may not have dinosaurs running wild, but woolly mammoths, dodos, and Tasmanian tigers could soon be making their long-awaited comebacks. The future is about to get a lot more...prehistoric.

The quest to revive woolly mammoths transcends mere scientific curiosity; it poses significant cultural and ethical questions.

If woolly mammoths really do return by 2028, the planet will have to answer for whether it can handle their comeback.

Before woolly mammoths, see how cities changed across 25 places, photo by photo, in A Journey Through 25 Cities And How Time Reshaped Them.