Colossal Biosciences says it’s been secretly working to bring back this extinct antelope
Colossal Biosciences is working to resurrect the bluebuck, an extinct antelope species native to Southern Africa, using genetic engineering and a roan antelope as a surrogate mother. The company has made breakthroughs in ovum pickup and induced pluripotent stem cells from roan antelope, which can be applied to conservation efforts for endangered antelope species.
Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotech company, is working to bring back the bluebuck, an antelope species that has been extinct for around 200 years. The company has been secretly working on the project since 2024, extracting DNA from a bluebuck specimen in the Swedish Museum of Natural History to piece together the species' genome. Colossal has identified the sable and roan antelope as the bluebuck's closest genetic relatives and is using the roan as a cellular surrogate. The company has acquired roan antelopes and is editing their DNA to bring it closer to the bluebuck's appearance. The gestation period is nine months, and the CEO anticipates the birth of a specimen in the coming years. Colossal's breakthroughs in ovum pickup and induced pluripotent stem cells from roan antelope can be applied to conservation efforts for endangered antelope species.
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