In a groundbreaking announcement, the only de-extinction company in the world, Colossal Biosciences, has successfully brought the dire wolf back from extinction, marking a significant milestone in genetic science. This achievement, revealed on April 7, 2025, comes 12,500 years after this iconic species last roamed the Earth.
Colossal's scientists have created three dire wolf pups, named Remus, Romulus, and Khaleesi, using advanced cloning and gene-editing techniques. The males were born on October 1, 2024, followed by the female pup on January 30, 2025. This endeavor is not just a revival of a long-lost species but a demonstration of the company's innovative de-extinction technology.
CEO Ben Lamm expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment, stating, "This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works. Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies." The dire wolf, known scientifically as Aenocyon dirus, was a top predator in North America and has been popularized in modern culture, particularly through the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones."
Colossal's process involved extracting DNA from two dire wolf fossils and comparing the assembled genomes to those of other canids, such as gray wolves. The scientists then spliced together a functional genome with 20 precision edits, 15 of which were extinct gene variants not seen since the days of woolly mammoths over 12,000 years ago. This innovative approach resulted in a hybrid species that closely resembles its prehistoric ancestor.
To create the pups, the team utilized a cloning method that involved taking the nucleus from a somatic cell and inserting it into an empty donor egg cell, a technique reminiscent of the famous cloning of Dolly the Sheep. The embryos were then transferred into surrogate mothers, reportedly domestic dogs, for gestation.
These three pups are currently residing in a secure ecological preserve that spans over 2,000 acres and is enclosed by 10-foot-tall fencing. The facility is equipped with security personnel, drones, and live camera feeds to monitor the wolves, ensuring their safety and well-being. The site has been certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the USDA.
Colossal has not only revived the dire wolf but has also cloned four critically endangered red wolves using a less invasive blood cloning method. This method allows for the extraction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) through a simple blood draw, avoiding the need for invasive tissue biopsies.
As the company celebrates this success, it also looks to the future, with plans to resurrect other extinct species, including the dodo, woolly mammoth, and thylacine. However, the ambitious nature of these projects has raised questions and skepticism among some scientists. Critics argue that the dire wolves are essentially genetically modified gray wolves rather than true dire wolves. Love Dalén, a professor in evolutionary genomics, highlighted that while the new pups carry dire wolf genes, they are still 99.9% gray wolf.
Dalén elaborated, "There’s going to be an argument in the scientific community regarding how many genes need to be changed to make a dire wolf, but this is really a philosophical question. It carries dire wolf genes, and these genes make it look more like a dire wolf than anything we’ve seen in the last 13,000 years. And that is very cool." This sentiment reflects a broader debate in the scientific community about the implications of de-extinction and the ethical considerations surrounding such projects.
Colossal has raised over $435 million since its founding in 2021, with ambitions that extend beyond de-extinction. The company is exploring how its technologies can aid in conservation efforts for endangered species. Discussions are underway with the state of North Carolina regarding conservation tools to help rescue the critically endangered red wolf.
Despite the excitement surrounding the dire wolf's return, some experts remain cautious. Critics argue that the resources allocated to de-extinction projects could be better spent on preserving existing species. Christopher Preston, a professor of environmental philosophy, pointed out the challenges of integrating genetically resurrected species into current ecosystems. He noted, "In states like Montana, we are currently having trouble keeping a healthy population of gray wolves on the land in the face of amped-up political opposition. It is hard to imagine dire wolves ever being released and taking up an ecological role."
As Colossal Biosciences continues its pioneering work in de-extinction, the future of the dire wolf and other resurrected species remains uncertain. The company’s ambitious goals may lead to significant advancements in genetic science, but they also prompt important discussions about the ethics and responsibilities of playing God with nature.
In summary, the revival of the dire wolf not only showcases the remarkable capabilities of modern science but also opens up a Pandora's box of questions regarding biodiversity, conservation, and the potential consequences of resurrecting species long gone from our planet.
