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Scientists Use Ancient DNA to Recreate Dire Wolves After 10,000 Years

Colossal Biosciences announces the birth of three genetically engineered dire wolf pups, sparking discussions about conservation, authenticity, and the future of de-extinction.

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
Two of the wolves were born on October 1, 2024.

Overview

  • Colossal Biosciences has successfully engineered three dire wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—using ancient DNA and CRISPR technology.
  • The pups, created through 20 targeted genetic edits to gray wolf DNA, are living in a secure 2,000-acre preserve under constant monitoring.
  • The recreated dire wolves exhibit physical traits such as larger size, broader heads, and white coats, but experts question their genetic authenticity as true dire wolves.
  • This breakthrough is part of Colossal's broader initiative to revive extinct species like the woolly mammoth and support conservation efforts for endangered animals such as red wolves.
  • The achievement has drawn significant public and cultural attention, with 'Game of Thrones' creator George R. R. Martin and filmmaker Peter Jackson endorsing the project.