Science Revives Extinct Dire Wolves

Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years might sound like the plot of a thrilling movie filled with dramatic special effects, but it's a reality thanks to the efforts of Colossal Biosciences. This biotech company has successfully used DNA from the common gray wolf, along with gene-editing techniques and domestic dog surrogates, to bring three dire wolves—Romulus, Remus, and their younger sister Khaleesi—into the world. These majestic creatures, residing in a secret location in the US, embody the awe-inspiring vision of any Game of Thrones enthusiast: huge, white, and simply awesome.

Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, expressed immense pride in the team's achievement, stating, “This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works.” The team utilized DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull to create healthy dire wolf puppies, showcasing the magic of advanced technology in conservation efforts.

Colossal Biosciences isn't new to the headlines. Previously, they engineered a Colossal Woolly Mouse to mimic the mammoth's phenotype, using computational analysis of 59 woolly, Columbian, and steppe mammoth genomes. However, the company faces criticism, with some arguing that the dire wolves are merely normal wolves in elaborate disguises, suggesting that the dire wolf DNA available today isn't sufficient for a true genetic clone.

The motives behind Colossal Bioscience's work extend beyond creating a social media sensation or owning extraordinary pets. The company aims to use its findings to help preserve current species for future generations. Dr. Christopher Mason, a scientific advisor and member of the board of observers for Colossal, emphasized the transformative impact of their work: “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.”

Dr. Mason also highlighted the broader applications of the technology: “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 partnered with the American Humane Society and the USDA to ensure the well-being of the dire wolves on their 2,000+ acre preserve, providing them with a dedicated staff to care for their needs.