In the vast wilderness of Botswana, orphaned elephants are getting a helping hand from an unexpected source – Artificial Intelligence (AI). Elephant Havens, a dedicated wildlife foundation, has joined forces with Colossal, a biotech company, to study elephant behavior and use AI to improve the reintroduction of orphan elephants to the wild.
Debra Stevens, co-founder of Elephant Havens, highlights that human-wildlife conflict is a leading cause of elephants becoming orphaned, with many incidents involving fires. As part of their mission to care for these orphans, Elephant Havens is running a special reintroduction program that will closely monitor the elephants’ progress over a decade.
To aid in this important endeavor, Colossal is conducting an extensive data-gathering operation using the power of AI. By analyzing video footage interpreted by elephant handlers, the AI system will learn about the animals’ social behaviors and leadership models.
Matt James, Chief Animal Officer at Colossal, emphasizes that this merging of traditional elephant-handling knowledge with modern AI technology will yield valuable insights to benefit the elephants’ future.
But the collaboration doesn’t stop there. Colossal is taking it a step further by sequencing the genomes of Elephant Havens’ orphans. This gene-trait analysis will explore how the elephants’ genetic information might influence their behavior. Such knowledge can be instrumental in understanding the unique needs of each elephant and supporting their successful reintegration into the wild.
Colossal’s ambitious plans extend beyond just helping orphaned elephants. The data generated through their research will contribute to their larger mission: creating an elephant-mammoth hybrid and introducing it to the Arctic tundra. Similar to Elephant Havens’ efforts, Colossal aims to socially engineer herds, ensuring the successful integration of their creations into the natural environment.
By harnessing the power of AI and combining it with genetic research, Elephant Havens and Colossal are paving the way for more effective wildlife conservation and reintroduction programs.
As these remarkable creatures take their steps back into the wild, the partnership between nature and technology serves as a beacon of hope for the future of these majestic animals and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit. With continued dedication and innovative approaches, we can create a harmonious balance between human existence and the preservation of our precious wildlife.