Triumphs and Ethical Concerns of Animal De-Extinction

On October 1st, 2024, Colossal Laboratories & Biosciences (CLB) accomplished what was once thought of as impossible: they brought back the Aenocyon dirus, colloquially known as the dire wolf, from extinction (Arif, 2025). But the reality behind this “de-extinction” headline reveals a deeper ethical dilemma pervading academia: the pursuit for engaging, sensational titles may be obscuring and muddling the real and interesting science behind these breakthrough discoveries.

The exact method behind this process of de-extinction is CRISPR-Cas9. A single guide RNA (sgRNA) directs the Cas9 protein to a specific genomic locus, and precise cuts are then made to the DNA sequence to perform specific insertions or deletions. Other methods of resurrection do exist: for example, Dolly the sheep—the first mammal to ever be cloned—was cloned using Somatic Cell Nuclear transfer (SCNT), a process in which the nucleus of an egg cell is replaced by any mature body cell that is not the sperm or egg. However, SCNT specifically requires an intact, living somatic cell to replace the egg cell’s nucleus, and so only in rare cases can SCNT be utilized for the task of animal de-extinction. In contrast to CRISPR-Cas9, the procedure used to resurrect the dire wolves was more akin to creating a genetic chimera/proxy rather than a clone and exact replica of the species. Scientists modified specific genetic traits of a gray wolf to produce a wolf with extremely similar, albeit not identical, traits to the original dire wolf species. The dire wolves produced by CLB also differ from the original species in that they do not share the same learned behaviors and ecological context.

There is no denying that the CLB dire wolf project is a momentous step forward for the field of genetic engineering, but as with any groundbreaking discovery, the ethics and implications that ensue are just as important to consider. According to the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), “Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner” (NSPE, n.d.). The claim that CLB makes about “de-extinction” is indubitably a misrepresentation of the actual scientific achievement, and even though few individuals may be directly impacted by these misleading claims, dubbing the project de-extinction is definitely ethically ambiguous. Additionally, the NSPE proclaims that “Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public” (NSPE, n.d.). As a consequence of the irreversible ecological and environmental harm that humans have caused, one key consideration for the future of CRISPR-Cas9 technology is to “right the wrongs” of the deterioration and degradation of Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity. The movement to potentially de-extinct the Thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) and reintroduce them to the Australian wilderness is a great step in this direction. As the keystone species balancing the ecological web of the Australian mainland and the islands of Tasmania and New Guinea, the complete extinction of the species nearly 90 years ago has caused almost irreversible damage to those areas. With no predator to keep them in check, the populations of wallabies and kangaroos have skyrocketed, leading to overgrazing and immense reduction in shrubbery, which in turn disrupts the nesting habits of local bird populations. Scientists hope to restabilize the ecological balance through the reintroduction of Thylacines, as even after almost one hundred years of extinction, the Tasmanian tigers could still potentially curb the wallaby and kangaroo population size and return the ecosystem to equilibrium (Abram, 2025).

Equally as significant as bringing species back from extinction is the possibility of preventing species from going extinct in the first place. By editing key genes in critically endangered species, CRISPR-Cas9 can help adapt core species to environmental or genetic stressors—coral can gain heat and acid resistance, genetic rescue can be performed on inbred populations like cheetahs and Tasmanian devils, and disease and fungal resistance can be engineered into vital crops and vegetation.

As technology and science become ever more sophisticated and powerful, it becomes all the more important to critically consider the ethical reverberations of scientific revelations. To truly benefit society, scientific endeavors must harmonize technical achievement with rigorous ethical standards, ensuring that human interventions in the natural world are directed towards long-term prosperity rather than short-sighted and temporary novelty or profit.

References

1. Abram, Cleo. “The Real Reason We Should Revive Extinct Animals.” YouTube, 2025, youtu.be/iX6w1P60m8M. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
2. Arif, Muhammad Huzaifa. “Dire Wolf - Colossal.” Colossal Biosciences, 25 6 2025, https://colossal.com/direwolf/. Accessed 31 October 2025.
3. “NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers.” National Society of Professional Engineers, https://www.nspe.org/career-growth/nspe-code-ethics-engineers. Accessed 31 October 2025.