Raphael Thys
- We are the de-extinction company.
- We accept the challenge.
- On behalf of humanity, the animal kingdom and the universe at large.
A LOOK AT EXTINCTION TODAY.
Extinction, as it pertains to biology, is defined as “the dying out or extermination of a species.” This can be caused by a number of factors such as natural disasters, planetary shifts, movements of the sun and stars, human causation or evolution itself.
Of all the root causes of modern extinction, the most concerning and hyperactive factor is that of human causation. Notably, causation from the advent of human civilization and industry. This alone has created a destructive force - within only the last 200 to 300 years - that is accelerating extinction at a pace unimaginable across the entire 4.5 billion year history of Planet Earth.
Evolution as we know it moves incredibly slowly. Massive natural disasters, like a volcanic event or asteroid collision that theoretically claimed the dinosaurs, are extremely rare. This is evidenced through analysis of sedimentary rock and other geological metrics.
[ Mammoth De-Extinction: Restoring The Past For A Better Futurer ]
For extinction to suddenly skyrocket, there has to be some other force at play. Judging by measurements of carbon in the atmosphere, destruction of ecosystems, pollution, overfishing and hunting, and more, the root cause is identifiably that of human causation. So while the last few centuries have been a boon to the human populace, the rest of Earth’s species, both flora and fauna, are paying the price as a result. At a speed that our planet and all of its inhabitants are quite simply not prepared for.
The loss of species at its natural, evolutionary speed is difficult to define as detrimental. In many ways, the Earth is in control of this process - systematically replacing a defunct species with a more efficient one. This takes millions of years for each instance to occur. In contrast, the loss of species due to human causation is entirely not natural. The loss and its effects are both rapid and dramatic. Because when a species goes extinct due to external human-related factors, there is more than just a loss of a natural gift or a page in a biology text.
Rather, when a species is forcibly removed from existence due to pollutive or aggressive human interference, the loss is more accurately described as the elimination of a key balancing factor within a given delicate ecosystem. Every plant and animal, whether predator or prey, plays a critical role in the sustainability of our planet’s survival systems. When one is removed the entire chain suffers. Research from top scientists, biologists and geologists from around the world is starting to paint the picture in real, hard data. The numbers are staggering.
“I’ve dedicated my career to advancing scientific discovery for future generations. Not only for human beings, but for all species that inhabit our planet.
Colossal represents the intersection of cutting-edge science and entrepreneurial discovery that enacts real change. I am excited to be part of Colossal’s mission and vision for de-extinction and species preservation.”
de-extiction
50%
The World Animal Foundation predicts that up to
IN TOTAL
All between 1970 and 2012 alone.
1,000,000
animal and plant species are threatened with extinction.
Since 1990, native species of most land habitats have FALLEN 20%.
At least
680 VERTEBRATE SPECIES
have been driven to extinction since the 16th century.
and more than 1/3 of all marine mammals are THREATENED.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates
PRESERVATION IS A KEY COMPONENT OF DE-EXTINCTION.
From the Asian to African elephants, all Elephantidae species are in trouble due to climate, disease and habitat loss. Colossal is working to help them now. Before it’s too late.
Read about how we're saving our elephants here
Starting with the genetic resurrection of the Woolly Mammoth, the goal of Colossal will be to develop a de-extinction library of animals as well as housing genetic DNA/embryos from endangered animals. This process will slow the long term impacts of human-induced loss of biodiversity and give threatened species a buffer against outright extinction as numbers dwindle.
Today our laboratory employs a team of scientists who understand and are experienced, world-class authorities in the applications and advancements of CRISPR genome editing, and developing software and other tools for the purposes of:
- +Endangered Animal Back Up
- +De-Extinction
- +Species Diversification
- +Species Replacement
- +Species Conservation
The results from our lab will directly address issues related to loss in biodiversity and overall species counts resulting from the human-accelerated degradation of land, sea and air. Ultimately, the aim is to reverse this damage by reintroducing critical animal and plant species that played active roles in the preservation of some of Earth’s most climate-beneficial ecosystems. Many of which have all but vanished entirely today.
“We have a duty to heal our planet, and to sustain it for future generations. With creativity, caution, and consultation, ethical use of modern genetic technologies can help stabilize ecosystems while bringing the animals and plants who share our planet back from the brink of extinction.”
ALTA CHARO
Juris Doctor, Warren P. Knowles Professor of Law and Bioethics, leading American authority on Bioethics
Beyond the Mammoth :
EXTINCTION REVERSAL & SPECIES PRESERVATION
Colossal will revolutionize biological history and be the first company to use CRISPR technology successfully in the de-extinction of previously lost species. On the journey we will build radical new software tools and technologies to transform genomics from an experimental state into an active, practical, reliable and efficient science.
Concurrently as we resurrect the mammoth, our geneticists are also leading the charge on bringing the thylacine back from extinction. In partnership with Australia’s University of Melbourne and Dr. Andrew Pask, we’re now at the front edge of almost two decades of research to bring back this half-wolf, half-tiger apex predator marsupial that once hunted the grasslands and forests of Tasmania, New Guinea and southern mainland Australia. So, just as we’re saving the mammoth, so to shall we save the thylacine.
De-Extinction Knowledge Bank
[ KNOWLEDGE BANK ]
[ RESOURCES ]
AND COLOSSAL IS THE COMPANY THAT IS GOING TO SOLVE IT
Combining the science of genetics with the business of discovery, we endeavor to jumpstart nature’s ancestral heartbeat. To see the Woolly Mammoth thunder upon tundra once again. And the thylacine to roam the forests of Tasmania. To advance the economies of biology and healing through genetics. To make humanity more human. And to reawaken the lost wilds of Earth. So we, and our planet, can breathe easier.
MEET THE WOOLLY MAMMOTH.
DE-EXTINCTION OF THE WOOLLY MAMMOTH
De-extinction of the Woolly Mammoth is truly a Colossal mission. So, how exactly are we getting there?
HUNTED to ZERO
[ Thylacine extinct since 1936 ]
The story of the thyalcine’s disappearance is sadly one of human aggression. Colossal is working to right this wrong and bring this marvel of evolution back to life.