In an astonishing advancement in genetic science, researchers at Colossal Biosciences have successfully grown woolly mammoth-like fur on laboratory mice. This achievement, unveiled in early 2025, represents a pivotal step in the effort to resurrect the long-extinct woolly mammoth using the tools of modern biotechnology. The breakthrough provides solid proof that mammoth traits can be reintroduced and expressed in living organisms, bringing the vision of de-extinction closer to reality.

Scientists opted to test mammoth gene expression in mice due to their rapid reproductive cycles, genetic compatibility, and ease of laboratory handling. The mammoth genes inserted into the mouse embryos regulated fur growth, texture, and pigmentation.