Scientists Revive Ancient Dire Wolves Using Advanced Genetic Technology

Dallas, Texas – In a groundbreaking scientific advancement, a biotech company called Colossal Biosciences has successfully brought back the dire wolf, a species that has been extinct for over 10,000 years. The announcement, made on April 8, reveals the birth of three dire wolf pups: six-month-old males Romulus and Remus, along with two-month-old female Khaleesi.

Utilizing genetic engineering techniques and ancient DNA samples, Colossal’s team extracted genetic information from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. This data was employed to create the pups through a process that combined cloning and gene editing of living gray wolves, their closest relatives.

“Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies,” said Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, in a statement accompanying the announcement. “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.”

The genetic editing work was intricate. Researchers focused on 20 specific differences within 14 genes to create the pups’ characteristic features, such as their larger size, white coats, and powerful vocalizations. Colossal harvested endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the blood of gray wolves, opting for a less invasive method than traditional tissue sample collection.

“By using a less invasive method, we’re minimizing harm to living animals while still pushing the boundaries of rewilding,” Lamm said, detailing the company’s approach.

The pups were born via planned cesarean section, a decision made to enhance the safety of both the surrogate dog mothers and the puppies. Each pregnancy resulted in one successful embryo implantation, leading to the birth of Romulus and Remus on October 1, 2024, followed by Khaleesi on January 30, 2025.

Colossal also pursues the restoration of other extinct species, most notably the woolly mammoth, which the company aims to reproduce through genetic alterations in Asian elephants. This effort is part of a broader ambition to aid conservation efforts through the application of advanced genetic techniques.

“The knowledge gained from these projects could significantly inform how we prevent endangered species from falling into extinction,” said Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief science officer. “These tools are not just for de-extinction but for strengthening existing populations as well.”

Despite the excitement surrounding these advancements, ethical concerns persist regarding the implications of reviving extinct species. Critics warn that introducing genetically-engineered animals into ecosystems could lead to unforeseen consequences.

Rick McIntyre, a retired wolf researcher with the U.S. National Park Service and advisor to Colossal, expressed caution regarding the dire wolf’s reintroduction. “They specialized in hunting megafauna that no longer exist; reinstating them may not be viable without their natural prey,” he noted.

In the wake of these developments, scientists continue advocating for the careful consideration of ecological balance and the ethical ramifications of such interventions. As for Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, they currently thrive within a secure 2,000-acre ecological preserve maintained by Colossal, where they are closely monitored and cared for.

“These children of science are living in a specially-designed environment,” Lamm said, assuring that their wellbeing remains the company’s priority. “We want to study them and understand how these genetic edits might lead to insights we cannot yet predict.”