Mammoth revival: A new era in rewilding and climate restoration.

Introduction

Forget Jurassic Park—there’s now a real park where you can see real-life prehistoric animals. Okay, technically it’s not open to the public yet, but the age of de-extinction is no longer science fiction. You might be used to seeing mammoths in textbooks or on screen—perhaps in documentaries like BBC’s Walking with Beasts—but now, thanks to cutting-edge science, these Ice Age icons are no longer confined to history or imagination. For the first time in thousands of years, you can witness their towering silhouettes moving across the rugged Highland landscape.

In a world-first, genetically engineered woolly mammoths have been successfully reintroduced to the Scottish Highlands. This groundbreaking conservation project, launched in 2024, marks a new era in rewilding and climate restoration. The creatures, known as “mammophants”, are hybrids of Asian elephants and woolly mammoths, created using advanced gene-editing techniques.

Why Woolly Mammoths?

Woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) were once powerful ecosystem engineers. They shaped the landscape by trampling shrubs, grazing on grasses, and compacting snow—activities that helped maintain cold, open grasslands known as mammoth steppe.

The Science Behind the Revival

Thanks to advances in CRISPR gene editing, scientists can now modify elephant DNA to include mammoth traits like thick fur, cold-resistant fat, and smaller ears. These hybrids—nicknamed “mammophants”—are being developed by international teams, including researchers at Colossal Biosciences. Although true cloning isn’t possible, scientists have been able to successfully create mammoth-like cells in the lab. After years of trials, the first calves were born in 2020 using artificial wombs. By 2024, a small herd was released into a specially managed 'undisclosed' location in the Scottish Highlands.

Why Scotland?

The Highlands were chosen for their:

• Cool climate, similar to Ice Age environments.
• Expansive peatlands, which store carbon and benefit from grazing.
• Rewilding success, including the return of beavers and pine martens.

The mammophants are helping to maintain open grasslands, reduce shrub encroachment, and compact snow in winter—slowing permafrost thaw and supporting biodiversity.

Ecological Impact

Early results from the Mammoth Highlands Monitoring Programme show:

• A 12% increase in native grassland cover.
• Reduced soil erosion and improved water retention.
• Greater diversity of bird and insect species in grazed areas.

Project Timeline: From Ice Age to Rewilding

The mammophants were transported in custom-built travel crates, weighing 10 tonnes each, specially designed to keep them comfortable for the duration of their road trip. This included being fitted with air conditioning and CCTV cameras for drivers to check on them during the four-hour journey. The three lorries, driven by animal transportation experts, travelled in convoy, with police escort, to the secret location.

Public Opinion: Divided but Engaged

The project has sparked global fascination and local debate. A 2023 survey by the Scottish Wildlife Trust found:

• 61% of respondents supported the rewilding of mammoths.
• 24% were unsure, citing ethical or ecological concerns.
• 15% opposed the project, mainly due to fears about safety or cost.

Meanwhile, animal welfare groups have raised concerns about the mammophants’ well-being and long-term adaptation. The project team continues to monitor health, behaviour, and social bonding closely.

Voices from the Highlands

Local reactions have been mixed but mostly positive. Here’s what some residents had to say:

I’ve photographed wild elephants in Africa and lions in the Serengeti, but seeing these giants emerge through the mist was something else entirely!

But, not all views were positive:

Challenges and Lessons

Rewilding mammoths isn’t without risks:

• Ethical concerns: Is it right to bring back extinct species?
• Animal welfare: Will mammophants thrive in modern environments?
• Ecological impact: Could they disrupt existing wildlife?

Looking Ahead

Plans are underway to expand the herd and establish a second site in the Cairngorms. The project is also informing global efforts to restore extinct or endangered species using similar techniques. If successful, the natural next step would be to re-introduce these animals to Arctic tundra ecosystems.

Can Bringing Back Mammoths Help Stop Climate Change?

Scientists believe that reintroducing mammoth-like creatures to Arctic tundra ecosystems could help slow global warming. By trampling shrubs and knocking down trees, these giants would restore grasslands that reflect more sunlight and keep the ground cooler. Their heavy movement would also compact snow, reducing its insulating effect and allowing the permafrost beneath to stay frozen. This matters because Arctic permafrost stores twice as much carbon as is currently in the atmosphere—if it thaws, vast amounts of greenhouse gases could be released. In short, mammoths might help keep these “sleeping giants” of carbon locked away, buying us precious time in the fight against climate change. (1)

Conclusion

The return of woolly mammoths to Scotland is more than a scientific achievement—it’s a symbol of hope. By blending ancient biology with modern conservation, the Highlands have become a living laboratory for ecological restoration. Whether this bold step becomes a global model or a unique chapter in rewilding history, one thing is certain: the mammoths are back, and they’re reshaping the land beneath their feet.

References:

1. Can Bringing Back Mammoths Help Stop Climate Change? | Smithsonian Magazine

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FAQ: Woolly Mammoths in the Scottish Highlands

Q1: What are “mammophants”?

A1: Mammophants are genetically engineered hybrids of Asian elephants and woolly mammoths, created using CRISPR gene-editing technology to include traits like thick fur and cold-resistant fat.

Q2: Why were woolly mammoths reintroduced to Scotland?

A2: They were reintroduced to restore ecosystems, particularly peatlands, by mimicking the ecological role mammoths once played—trampling shrubs, grazing, and compacting snow to help maintain cold grasslands.

Q3: Where in Scotland were the mammophants released?

A3: The exact location has not been disclosed to protect the welfare of the animals and ensure minimal human disturbance.

Q4: What ecological benefits have been observed so far?

A4: Early results show a 12% increase in native grassland cover, reduced soil erosion, improved water retention, and greater biodiversity in grazed areas.

Q5: How were mammophants created?

A5: Scientists used CRISPR to edit elephant DNA with mammoth traits. The first viable calf was born in a lab in 2022, and the herd underwent acclimatisation trials before release.

Q6: Why is Scotland considered suitable for mammophants?

A6: Scotland’s cool climate, expansive peatlands, and history of successful rewilding projects make it an ideal location for mammophant reintroduction.

Q7: What are the main concerns about the project?

A7: Concerns include ethical questions about reviving extinct species, animal welfare in modern environments, and potential disruption to existing wildlife.

Q8: How has the public responded to the project?

A8: A 2023 survey found 61% support, 24% uncertainty, and 15% opposition. Local reactions range from fascination to cautious optimism.

Q9: Can mammophants help fight climate change?

A9: Yes. By restoring grasslands and compacting snow, they help keep permafrost frozen, preventing the release of stored carbon and slowing global warming.

Q10: What’s next for the project?

A10: Plans include expanding the herd and establishing a second site in the Cairngorms, with hopes of informing global efforts to restore extinct or endangered species such as dire wolves.