The biotechnology company that made headlines by resurrecting extinct dire wolves is now channeling its genetic expertise toward preventing extinctions before they happen. The Colossal Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the groundbreaking de-extinction dire wolves project Colossal Biosciences, has officially launched its Species Reintroduction Fund, dedicating at least $250,000 annually to bring threatened species back from the edge of extinction.
Global Conservation Partnership Targets Critical Species
This is a powerhouse collaboration with conservation heavyweights Re:wild, representing what the organizations describe as the first fund in the world entirely dedicated to supporting wildlife reintroduction and rewilding projects globally. The fund will cover every single aspect of species reintroduction—from initial planning and genetic analysis to crucial post-release monitoring for creatures across every corner of the planet, both on land and at sea.
Unlike traditional conservation funding that might focus on single aspects of species recovery, this initiative provides comprehensive support throughout the entire reintroduction process. Projects receive grants for up to 12 months at a time, with requests up to $50,000 per year under consideration.
“The Colossal Foundation is committed to making extinction a thing of the past. The best way to do that is to stop extinction before it starts. The Fund is one of the ways in which we can accelerate those efforts globally,” said Colossal Co-founder and CEO, Ben Lamm. “Now we are doing even more to mobilize resources and expertise to restore wildlife populations on the brink of disappearing all over the globe.”
Six Species Get First Lifeline
The fund’s inaugural cohort features six target species across six projects, each facing severe threats including habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and disease. The first six species getting a lifeline from this pioneering fund are a diverse and desperate bunch, each facing severe threats like habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and deadly diseases. But here’s the thing: each of these creatures plays a vital, unique role in its ecosystem’s grand symphony.
The recipients include the critically endangered Bolson tortoise in New Mexico (partnering with Turner Endangered Species Fund), the endangered black lion tamarin in Brazil (Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas), and the golden skiffia—extinct in the wild—in Mexico (Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo). Additional species receiving support are the California condor in Idaho (Nez Percé Tribe), Vietnam pheasant in Vietnam (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Viet Nature), and Ecuador’s Wampukrum harlequin toad (Centro Jambatu).
Technology Meets Traditional Conservation
What distinguishes this initiative is its integration of Colossal Biosciences’ cutting-edge genetic technologies with conventional conservation methods. The company’s breakthroughs in genetic rescue, biobanking, and CRISPR gene editing—developed through its work on dire wolves, woolly mammoths, and other extinct species—now provide powerful tools for protecting living animals.
“Nature is in crisis due to human activities, and ecosystems around the world need our support to remain vibrant and resilient,” said Wes Sechrest, Re:wild chief scientist and CEO. “Species reintroductions are critical in many of these places to return functional roles to natural environments–helping species, habitats, and human communities to thrive.”
The fund’s objectives extend beyond individual species recovery to include habitat restoration, supporting human communities, and establishing long-term conservation conditions that ensure reintroduction success continues well beyond the initial project timeframe.
Scaling Conservation Impact
Over the next two years, the Species Reintroduction Fund is set to link up with hundreds of conservationists across dozens of countries. They’re all fighting the good fight to reverse the extinction crisis and bring that vital balance back to ecosystems worldwide.
This represents a significant expansion of Colossal’s mission beyond bringing back extinct species to actively preventing future extinctions. The company has already demonstrated success in applying its de-extinction technologies to conservation through projects like cloning critically endangered red wolves, achieving a 25% increase in genetic diversity for the species.
The Species Reintroduction Fund is now seeking applications for its second cohort of grants, inviting proposals from nonprofit, government, and academic organizations worldwide with innovative strategies to reintroduce threatened species and restore critical habitats.