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2w ago

Colossal Biosciences Achieves Milestone with Birth of Genetically Engineered Dire Wolf Pups

Using advanced cloning and gene-editing techniques, the Dallas-based biotech company has successfully revived the extinct dire wolf species, marking a significant step in de-extinction science.

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The first two dire wolves born at Colossal, here shown at the age of one month old.
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Romulus and Remus, the first two dire wolf pups created by Colossal Biosciences (Credit: Colossal Biosciences)

Overview

  • Three dire wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—were created using ancient DNA and genetic material from gray wolves, with the births announced on April 8, 2025.
  • Colossal Biosciences utilized a novel gene-editing process to modify 14 genes in gray wolf cells, replicating 20 key traits of dire wolves, including size, coat color, and vocalizations.
  • The embryos were implanted into domestic hound surrogates, resulting in successful cesarean births without complications for the surrogate mothers.
  • The company plans to apply similar techniques to revive the woolly mammoth by 2028, with surrogate elephant pregnancies projected to begin by 2026.
  • In addition to de-extinction, Colossal is leveraging its genetic technologies to address biodiversity challenges, such as combating genetic bottlenecks in endangered species like the pink pigeon and red wolf.