*In a groundbreaking announcement that blurs the line between science fiction and science fact, biotech firm Colossal Biosciences has announced what it calls the “resurgence” of the dire wolf—a species believed to have vanished from the Earth approximately 13,000 years ago, BBC reports.
Though long extinct, dire wolves have captured the imagination of millions, most recently gaining iconic status through the HBO fantasy series “Game of Thrones.” But now, thanks to advancements in genetic engineering and ancient DNA analysis, three wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—are said to embody the spirit of this legendary predator.
Colossal is hailing the event as a monumental scientific achievement, boldly calling the dire wolf “the world’s first de-extincted animal.” The pups, created using grey wolves as a genetic base, are the product of extensive DNA editing and synthetic biology. According to Dr. Beth Shapiro, a biologist with the company, “A grey wolf is the closest living relative of a dire wolf – they’re genetically really similar – so we targeted DNA sequences that lead to dire wolf traits and then edited grey wolf cells… then we cloned those cells and created our dire wolves.”
These engineered wolves exhibit features associated with the dire wolf, such as larger skulls and striking white fur, but despite Colossal’s celebratory tone, not all scientists are convinced. Zoologist Philip Seddon from the University of Otago in New Zealand pushes back against the notion of true resurrection: “They are genetically modified grey wolves.”
TIME’s new cover: The dire wolf is back after over 10,000 years. Here’s what that means for other extinct species https://t.co/LQtosdfiEf pic.twitter.com/bv8EbeefuW
— TIME (@TIME) April 7, 2025
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This skepticism stems from the limitations of working with ancient DNA. As paleogeneticist Dr. Nic Rawlence, also from Otago, explains, “Ancient DNA is like if you put fresh DNA in a 500 degree oven overnight. It comes out fragmented—like shards and dust.” Due to this degradation, reconstructing an authentic dire wolf genome is currently beyond reach. Rather than a clone, the result is a hybrid—engineered to mimic the dire wolf, but not genetically identical.
Still, Colossal’s achievement is rooted in rigorous genetic analysis. The team examined about 19,000 genes and identified 20 specific changes across 14 genes that likely contribute to dire wolf-like traits. These edited embryos were then implanted into surrogate domestic dogs and delivered via cesarean section, procedures designed to ensure safety and success.
While the company touts the project as a success, it also sparks an ethical and philosophical debate. Dr. Rawlence raises a pressing concern: “Because extinction is still forever,” he told BBC News. “If we don’t have extinction, how are we going to learn from our mistakes? Is the message now that we can go and destroy the environment and that animals can go extinct, but we can bring them back?”
Currently, the trio of pups lives under close supervision at a confidential 2,000-acre facility in the northern United States. The wolves spark both awe and debate about the boundaries of science and nature.
Meanwhile, Colossal Biosciences is also actively working on the revival of other extinct species like the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger.
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