Woolly Mammoth Billionaire Launches $200 Million Venture to Genetically Engineer Military Dogs

Ben Lamm, co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, the biotechnology company pursuing efforts to bring back extinct species such as the woolly mammoth, has launched a venture to develop genetically enhanced military dogs in collaboration with Palmer Luckey, founder of defense technology company Anduril, Amy Feldman, Iain Martin and Monica Hunter-Hart reported for Forbes.

Warhound aims to clone and genetically enhance working dogs to improve their health, performance and suitability for military tasks.

The new company, called Warhound, combines animal cloning and genetic engineering to develop working dogs for military, law-enforcement and emergency-response operations.

It has raised $200 million at a valuation of $1.2 billion, with Sequoia Capital partner Shaun Maguire leading the investment round.

Warhound intends to clone high-performing working dogs and explore genetic modifications that could improve their health and capabilities.

Potential goals include reducing the risk of hip dysplasia, improving scent detection and increasing the likelihood that dogs will complete demanding military training.

The company says the United States faces challenges in securing an adequate supply of military working dogs, many of which are sourced from Europe.

According to figures cited in the company's launch coverage, approximately 55% of dogs entering military training do not meet the required standards. The proposed program aims to produce more dogs suited to tasks such as detecting explosives and conducting search-and-rescue operations.

Anduril is also expected to contribute technology and equipment designed to support dogs and their handlers.

“This is the sci-fi future we were promised,” Lamm said, describing the venture's ambitions.

However, the dogs' proposed genetic enhancements remain under development.

The company's intended improvements should not be confused with demonstrated results, and the practical effectiveness, animal-welfare implications and long-term health effects of the program will need to be assessed as it progresses.