In 2014, I made a bold forecast about the future of wildlife conservation:

• By 2035, zoos will exhibit “formerly extinct” species—animals brought back from extinction through advanced biotechnology.

Now, as we approach the midpoint to 2035, let’s examine how close (or far) we are to making this a reality.

The State of De-Extinction Technology in 2024

1. The Rise of Genetic Resurrection

Bringing extinct species back to life—de-extinction—is no longer pure science fiction. Key advancements include:

• CRISPR Gene Editing: Allows scientists to modify DNA with precision, potentially reconstructing extinct genomes.
• Cloning & Stem Cell Tech: Successes like Dolly the sheep (1996) and recent black-footed ferret clones (2021) prove that near-extinct species can be revived.
• Ancient DNA Recovery: Researchers have sequenced genomes of the woolly mammoth, passenger pigeon, and Tasmanian tiger, making them prime de-extinction candidates.

2. Current Projects Working on “Formerly Extinct” Species

Several high-profile initiatives are actively pursuing de-extinction:

• Colossal Biosciences (founded 2021):
• Aims to resurrect the woolly mammoth by 2027 using CRISPR-edited Asian elephant DNA.
• Also working on the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) and dodo bird.
• Revive & Restore:
• Focused on the passenger pigeon and heath hen, with plans for controlled reintroduction.
• The Quagga Project:
• Already “back-bred” a zebra subspecies resembling the extinct quagga.

Will Zoos Really Exhibit These Species by 2035?

✅ Likely for Some Species

Given current progress, at least one “formerly extinct” species could be in captivity by 2035, likely candidates include:

• Woolly Mammoth: Colossal predicts a calf by 2027; zoo exhibition by the 2030s is plausible.
• Tasmanian Tiger: If cloning succeeds, it could be a major zoo attraction.
• Passenger Pigeon: Easier to breed in captivity, making it a potential early exhibit.

❌ Challenges Remain

• Ethical & Ecological Concerns: Critics argue de-extinction could harm ecosystems or divert funds from conserving living species.
• Public Acceptance: Will people support zoos displaying lab-created extinct animals?
• Technical Hurdles: Even if a mammoth is born, ensuring its survival in captivity is uncertain.

How Zoos Are Preparing for the De-Extinction Era

Some forward-thinking zoos are already positioning themselves:

• San Diego Zoo’s Frozen Zoo: Stores genetic material from endangered (and extinct) species for future revival.
• Singapore’s “Jurassic Park” Ambitions: Plans for high-tech exhibits featuring resurrected or near-extinct species.
• Partnerships with Biotech Firms: Zoos may collaborate with companies like Colossal to showcase de-extinct animals.

Final Verdict: How Accurate Will My Prediction Be?

Conclusion

My 2014 prediction was ahead of its time but not unrealistic. While no “formerly extinct” species are in zoos yet, the science is advancing rapidly, and public/private investment is growing.

Best-case scenario: By 2035, we might see a woolly mammoth or thylacine in a specialized zoo exhibit, marketed as a “miracle of science.”
Worst-case scenario: Ethical or technical delays push the timeline to 2040+.

Either way, the idea is no longer fantasy—it’s a legitimate possibility within our lifetimes.

Would you visit a zoo to see a resurrected species? 🧬🦣🐅