Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Scientists Achieve First De-Extinction with Birth of Dire Wolf Pups

Colossal Biosciences announces the successful use of CRISPR gene editing to create three dire wolf pups, marking a significant breakthrough in genetic engineering and conservation.

Colossal dire wolves on the Iron Throne
A genetically modified wolf juvenile, one of three successfully bred by reconstructing a genome from the ancient DNA of fossils from the dire wolf which had been extinct for over 12,500 years by Colossal Biosciences, billed as "the world’s only de-extinction company", is seen at age three months after his October 1, 2024 birth, at a secure site in the northern United States.        Colossal Biosciences/Handout via REUTERS.
Picture of Colossal’s Dire Wolves; Romulus and Remus at age three months. Born 10/1/2024
Genetically modified wolf pups Romulus and Remus, two of three successfully bred by reconstructing a genome from the ancient DNA of fossils from the dire wolf that had been extinct for over 12,500 years by Colossal Biosciences, billed as "the world’s only de-extinction company", are seen a month after their October 1, 2024 birth in north Texas, U.S.         Colossal Biosciences/Handout via REUTERS.

Overview

  • Colossal Biosciences has genetically engineered three dire wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—using ancient DNA and CRISPR technology.
  • The dire wolf genome was reconstructed from fossils, with 20 genetic edits made to modern gray wolf DNA to replicate key traits of the extinct species.
  • The pups exhibit distinctive physical traits such as larger size, broader builds, and white coats, reflecting attributes of the original dire wolves.
  • The wolves are housed in a secure 2,000-acre ecological preserve where they are monitored continuously, certified by the American Humane Society.
  • The achievement is part of Colossal's broader de-extinction efforts, which include plans to revive species like the woolly mammoth and dodo bird.