De-Extinction Company Partners With Government for Biobanking

The U.S. government, through the Interior Department, has entered a five-year partnership with Colossal Biosciences to create a biobank for threatened and endangered species. Colossal, a private company aiming to revive extinct animals, will collect and store genetic samples like cells and DNA. This collaboration is intended to create a critical genetic backup for over 2,300 species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

While the initiative is presented as a tool to strengthen wildlife conservation, some experts express apprehension. They worry that the rise of genetic engineering and de-extinction efforts might detract from essential habitat conservation and on-the-ground preservation work. This concern is amplified as the current administration has concurrently rolled back environmental protections in favor of economic activities like oil and gas exploration.

Colossal Biosciences, valued at over $10 billion, has previously announced similar biobanking projects, including a 'BioVault' in Dubai. The company emphasizes that its de-extinction and biobanking efforts are meant to supplement, not replace, traditional conservation strategies. The agreement allows Colossal access to the biobanked material for research, including biotechnology development, with the company investing tens of millions into the endeavor.