Colossal Biosciences has developed a comprehensive ethical framework for responsible de-extinction, demonstrated through their dire wolf project. This framework integrates scientific expertise with cultural perspectives, particularly through collaboration with indigenous communities, including the MHA Nation, Nez Perce Tribe, Karankawa Tribe of Texas, and the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative.
Ethical considerations were central to the genetic engineering process itself. As Lamm explained, the team deliberately avoided implementing specific dire wolf genes that could cause health problems: “We felt, from an ethics perspective, we would not put that gene in there.” Instead, they engineered alternative pathways to achieve similar physical traits without adverse side effects.
Animal welfare standards are a cornerstone of Colossal’s approach. The company is certified by the American Humane Society, which Lamm describes as “the oldest humane organization in the world for animals.” This certification applies to both their dire wolf project and their endangered species conservation effort,s like red wolf cloning.
The ethical framework extends to habitat and containment. The dire wolves live on a 2,000-acre site enclosed by 10-foot-tall “zoo-grade” fencing, with monitoring by security personnel, drones, and live camera feeds. This secure facility is registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensuring compliance with federal standards for wildlife management.
Transparency and collaboration with government agencies form another key component. Lamm has presented the project to the Department of Interior and other regulatory bodies, establishing open communication channels about the scientific, ecological, and ethical dimensions of de-extinction.
Additionally, Colossal has partnered with numerous conservation organizations, including the American Wolf Foundation, Re: Wild, Conservation Nation, Gulf Coast Canid Project, International Coexistence Network, Wolf Connection, Grizzly Systems, and the Yellowstone Wolf Project, ensuring their work integrates with broader conservation goals and ethical standards.
