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"Science Revives Extinct Dire Wolves"

by Zoe Apr 09,2025

Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years might sound like a plot from a blockbuster movie filled with special effects and dramatic scenes, but it's become a reality thanks to the efforts of Colossal Biosciences. This biotech company has successfully reintroduced three dire wolves into the world, now residing in a secret location within the United States.

Romulus and Remus at three months old

The dire wolves, named Romulus, Remus, and their younger sister Khaleesi, were created using a blend of gray wolf DNA, gene-editing techniques, and domestic dog surrogates. These majestic creatures embody the vision of any mother of dragons—enormous, white, and undeniably awe-inspiring.

“I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,” said Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences.

“Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies. It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.”

Romulus and Remus at one month old

Colossal Biosciences is no stranger to making waves in the scientific community. They previously engineered a Colossal Woolly Mouse, designed to mimic the phenotype of a mammoth, using computational analysis of numerous mammoth genomes spanning from 3,500 to over 1.2 million years old. While the company faces criticism, with some arguing that the dire wolves are merely wolves in elaborate costumes, lacking the true genetic essence of their extinct ancestors, Colossal Biosciences is driven by a deeper purpose.

The company's mission extends beyond creating social media sensations or exotic pets. They aim to leverage their findings to aid in the conservation of existing species for future generations.

“The de-extinction of the dire wolf and an end-to-end system for de-extinction is transformative and heralds an entirely new era of human stewardship of life,” said Dr. Christopher Mason, a scientific advisor and member of the board of observers for Colossal.

“The same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help save a variety of other endangered animals as well. This is an extraordinary technological leap in genetic engineering efforts for both science and for conservation as well as preservation of life, and a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct.”

Colossal Biosciences has collaborated with the American Humane Society and the USDA to ensure the welfare of the dire wolves, who live on a sprawling 2,000+ acre preserve. These animals are cared for by a dedicated team, ensuring their health and well-being as they live out their lives in this carefully managed environment.

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