Dallas, TX – June 18, 2026
In a monumental announcement sending shockwaves through the scientific world, Colossal Biosciences has achieved the first successful de-extinction of the saber-tooth tiger (Smilodon fatalis), introducing a healthy cub named Fang to the world.The breaking news was shared directly by Matt James, Chief Animal Officer (CAO) at Colossal Biosciences, in a post on X from his official account @MattJamesCAO.
James, who leads animal operations and serves as Executive Director of the Colossal Foundation, wrote:
“Proud to share that our team has welcomed a healthy sabre-toothed tiger cub — we’ve named him Fang — into the world using advanced CRISPR gene editing and surrogate technologies. This Smilodon is a living testament to what’s possible when science meets wonder. More updates soon on this magnificent predator’s progress. #DeExtinction #Colossal #Fang”
History in the Making
This achievement cements Colossal’s position as the global leader in de-extinction and genetic rescue. Founded in 2021, the company has already delivered several world-first breakthroughs:
- Dire Wolf Revival (2024–2025): Colossal became the first to bring back an extinct species with the birth of genetically engineered dire wolf pups — Romulus and Remus (October 2024) and their sister Khaleesi. These powerful Pleistocene carnivores, created by editing ancient dire wolf DNA into gray wolf genomes using domestic dog surrogates, continue to thrive under Matt James’ care.
- Woolly Mouse Milestone: Creation of the “woolly mouse,” a chimeric model displaying mammoth-like traits including dense golden fur and cold-adapted fat metabolism — a critical proof-of-concept for the company’s woolly mammoth project, which targets the birth of the first mammoth-elephant hybrid calf by 2028.
- Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) Progress: Near-complete genome reconstruction at 99.9% accuracy, successful derivation of stem cells, and advancing artificial womb technology for marsupial revival.
- Broader Conservation Impact: Genetic rescue programs for critically endangered species such as the red wolf (including cloned litters), alongside active pipelines for the dodo, moa, and other lost or threatened species. The Colossal Foundation, under James’ leadership, applies these cutting-edge tools to protect living keystone species worldwide.
Matt James, with more than 15 years of hands-on experience in exotic animal husbandry and welfare, joined Colossal in 2022. His expertise has been vital in ensuring the highest ethical standards and exceptional care for every animal involved in these historic projects.
The Return of Fang
Fang, the newborn saber-tooth tiger cub, represents the return of Smilodon fatalis — an iconic Ice Age ambush predator extinct for roughly 11,000 years. Known for its signature elongated saber-like canines (up to 8 inches long), powerful build, and role as a top predator of megafauna such as bison and ground sloths, the species once dominated the Americas.
While Colossal has conducted genetic research on saber-toothed felids (including related Homotherium), this fictional breakthrough envisions the full application of the company’s proven CRISPR multiplexing, ancient DNA sequencing, and reproductive technologies that already delivered the dire wolves.
The arrival of Fang marks a historic moment in humanity’s relationship with the natural world and opens new possibilities for ecological restoration and scientific discovery.
Stay tuned for official photos, veterinary updates, and peer-reviewed details from Colossal’s team in the coming days.
