For years, scientists have dreamed about reviving extinct species. Thanks to advances in genetic research, cloning techniques, and biotechnology, we are closer than ever to bringing back some animals that once roamed the Earth. In 2025, researchers may breathe new life into eleven species that have been lost to time, from the iconic woolly mammoth to lesser-known creatures like Aurochs.
1. Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
The ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) was declared extinct in the 1940s. Native to swamplands in the southeastern United States, scientists are now using the DNA from the bird and its close relatives to showcase the potential for genetic engineering to restore ecosystems. However, critics argue that the original species’ ecological role cannot be fully restored as the current environment is different from that of the early 20th century.
2. Elephant Bird
Using the bird’s DNA and that of ostriches, scientists are attempting to bring back the elephant bird (Aepyornis maximus), which became extinct between 800–1050 AD. The large, flightless bird was native to Madagascar and stood roughly nine feet tall. If successful, this ambiguous de-extinction effort could lead to new insights into how large birds influence ecosystems.
3. Baiji Dolphin
The Baiji or Yangtze River dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) was declared functionally instinct in 2006 due to polluted waters, being caught as bycatch, and a loss of habitat. However, scientists are now looking to revive this graceful species using cloning technology and genetic modification. A complex endeavor that, if successful, could provide valuable data on how to mitigate pollution in rivers.
4. Passenger Pigeon
Once a dominating species across North America, the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) went extinct in 1914 as a result of human activity. As a vital species in forests, scientists are looking to revive the birds using genetic restoration, selective breeding, cloning, and gene editing. However, some argue that reviving the passenger pigeon might not restore its original ecological role due to changes in forest ecosystems over time.
5. Tasmanian Tiger
The thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus), was once a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania that was declared extinct in 1936. Using gene editing, scientists are trying to resurrect the tiger by combining its DNA with that of a modern Tasmanian devil. With the tiger’s genome nearly fully reconstructed, this project demonstrates the potential for genetic technology to revive complex species.
6. Woolly Mammoth
Having roamed the Earth during the Ice Age but vanishing around 4,000 years ago, woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) are perhaps the most well-known de-extinction project. Scientists are using advanced gene-editing technology to splice woolly mammoth genes into the DNA of modern elephants. This revival could provide helpful insights into combating climate change by restoring ancient ecosystems that could capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2), stopping it from entering the atmosphere.
7. The Great Auk
The great auk (Pinguinus impennis), a flightless bird native to the North Atlantic, was hunted to extinction in the 19th century. Scientists hope to bring back this bird as an important ecological species, using genetic material recovered from preserved specimens. By recreating the species, researchers aim to restore balance to North Atlantic ecosystems, where the bird once played a crucial role both on land and in water.
8. Dodo
The dodo (Raphus cucullatus), a flightless bird native to Mauritius, was driven to extinction by human activity and introduced predators in the late 1600s. Now scientists are using a combination of ancient DNA from preserved remains and gene-editing techniques to revive the species. A successful revival might provide more information for strategies that could help protect island ecosystems.
9. Quagga
Native to South Africa, the Quagga (Equus quagga quagga) is a subspecies of the Zebra, which was hunted into extinction in the late 19th century. Since 1987, scientists have been working to revive the species and have had some success. Using genetic selection and modification, the Quagga Project has bred Quagga-like zebras with roughly 200 individuals roaming the South African plains. Scientists aren’t stopping there, though; they continue to work to restore this species in its entirety.
10. Aurochs
Aurochs (Bos primigenius), an ancestor of domestic cattle, was widespread across Europe, Asia, and North Africa and went extinct in the 17th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. Scientists are trying to reverse gene modifications to cows, using selective breeding and radiocarbon dating to revive this species, which could provide insights into new perspectives on sustainable livestock practices.
11. Caribbean Monk Seal
The Caribbean monk seal (Neomonachus tropicalis), also known as the West Indian seal or sea wolf, was hunted to extinction for its meat and oil by 2008. Scientists hope to revive the species using DNA from museum specimens by sequencing the DNA and using related seal species to carry new offspring. While there is still much to be done, there is hope for the future of this species.
De-extinction at Work
Using advances in technology and science, we may see the return of animals long thought gone to the realms of history books. Despite the many ethical questions and ecological impacts these species might have once they roam the earth again, we are in an age where what was once considered impossible might prove achievable in 2025.
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