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2w ago

Colossal Biosciences Unveils First Genetically Engineered Dire Wolves

Three dire wolf puppies, created using ancient DNA and advanced CRISPR editing, mark a breakthrough in de-extinction science and conservation efforts.

Dire wolves Romulus and Remus next to each other in the snow at five months old.
George R.R. Martin attends HBO's "House of the Dragon" FYC Screening at Directors Guild Of America on March 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
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Overview

  • Colossal Biosciences successfully revived dire wolves, with three genetically engineered puppies born between October 2024 and January 2025.
  • The project used ancient DNA from fossils and 20 targeted CRISPR edits to replicate key phenotypic traits of dire wolves in a grey wolf genome.
  • The wolves are housed in a 2,000-acre ecological preserve with 24-hour care and plans to expand their pack and explore rewilding on indigenous lands.
  • Critics question whether these animals qualify as true dire wolves, citing the use of grey wolf DNA as a base, while Colossal emphasizes their functional de-extinction approach.
  • Colossal is advancing de-extinction technologies for future projects, including the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger, while refining cloning methods to aid conservation.