In their journey to de-extinct the Tasmanian tiger, an American biotechnology and genetic engineering company has launched a new cartoon to debunk myths about the project.
Colossal Biosciences’ four-part ‘Tassie the tiger’ series hits screens today, exploring the thylacine, its importance to Tasmania and how de-extinction could work.
Tasmanian Thylacine Advisory Committee Chairperson and Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis said one of the key messages of the series is explaining the benefits of bringing the species back.
“We created these videos to help dispel some of the myths and skepticism and answer questions that many people have about the thylacine and the de-extinction project,” she said.
“In part, it’s about restoring our apex predator to the ecosystem and halting the inevitable trophic downgrading that’s occurring due to its absence,” she said.
“This also marks an incredible chance to show we can right past wrongs, and restore balance to our stunning island home.”
Colossal Biosciences announced its ambitious thylacine de-extinction project in 2022, with the goal of returning the species to its native Tasmania for the first time since the 1930s.
The company generated global headlines earlier this month after revealing they had reconstructed the world’s first complete thylacine genome from the extinct species.
Chief executive Ben Lamm said the “scientific milestone” was achieved with 99% accuracy.
“This represents significant progress in achieving the goal of de-extincting the thylacine,” he said.
Fellow Thylacine Advisory member and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary owner Greg Irons said he continues to be bombarded with questions about the project almost daily.
“Tasmanians have so much love and curiosity for our wilderness and wildlife and that is especially the case when it comes to the Tassie tiger,” Irons said.
“It’s important to be able to ask questions, to get answers and have all the facts as the scientists explore the possibility of bringing the thylacine back.”
