Genetically Engineered 'Dire Wolves' Ignite Debate Over De-Extinction Ethics

Colossal Biosciences' creation of dire wolf-like pups raises questions about scientific authenticity and conservation priorities.

Colossal Biosciences announced the birth of three genetically engineered pups designed to resemble the extinct dire wolf, using ancient DNA and gray wolf genomes.
Experts argue the animals are modified gray wolves, not true dire wolves, challenging the use of the term 'de-extinction.'
The process involved extracting ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils, editing gray wolf genomes, and using domestic dogs as surrogates.
Critics warn that focusing on de-extinction projects may divert attention and resources from conserving endangered species and addressing biodiversity loss.
Concerns have been raised that de-extinction rhetoric could obscure the human-caused factors driving extinction and habitat destruction.