5
In a scientific development that sounds more like science fiction than reality, dire wolves—extinct for over 13,000 years—have made a remarkable comeback. A U.S.-based biotechnology company has successfully produced three wolf pups bearing the genetic characteristics of these Ice Age predators, marking a major milestone in the growing field of species revival.
The trio—named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—are the result of groundbreaking efforts by Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to restoring lost animal species using advanced DNA editing tools. Their work represents one of the first tangible examples of what’s being called “de-extinction.”
Bringing the Ice Age Into the Present
Dire wolves once dominated large parts of North America during the last Ice Age. These formidable carnivores were known for their large size—about 25% bigger than modern gray wolves—their strong builds, pale fur, and ability to hunt large game such as horses and bison. Though long thought gone forever, their story is being rewritten.
To bring them back, researchers began by analyzing ancient DNA samples extracted from fossils. One of these included a tooth dating back 13,000 years, found in Ohio, and another was a 72,000-year-old skull piece unearthed in Idaho. These samples offered insight into the specific genes that made the dire wolf distinct.
Using CRISPR gene-editing technology, scientists then altered the DNA of gray wolves in 20 different places, inserting traits found in the ancient dire wolf. These edited cells were combined with eggs from domestic dogs and carried to term by surrogate mothers. Just over two months later, three pups were born.
Not Exact Clones, But Close Representations
Physically, the pups exhibit many features associated with dire wolves—broad jaws, dense white fur, and large frames. Despite being only a few months old, they already weigh close to 80 pounds, and researchers believe they will reach up to 140 pounds when fully grown.
Currently, they live on a protected 2,000-acre sanctuary that has been approved by the American Humane Society. A dedicated team monitors their development, though scientists are careful to note that these animals are not precise duplicates of their ancient counterparts. Without a lineage of learned behavior passed down from true dire wolves, their actions and instincts are expected to differ.
Excitement and Caution Surround the Breakthrough
Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, celebrated the event as a key advancement in de-extinction research. He shared that additional projects are already underway, with teams exploring the possibility of reviving other extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth and the dodo.
Even Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, a well-known investor in Colossal, commented on the achievement. “Many people view dire wolves as mythical creatures that only exist in a fantasy world, but in reality, they have a rich history of contributing to the American ecosystem,” Martin said. “I write about magic—but Colossal has created it.”
The Road Ahead
Despite the excitement, some scientists are urging careful consideration. Experts, including biologist Vincent Lynch, emphasize that while these animals may resemble dire wolves physically, they cannot fulfill the same ecological roles their ancestors once did.
“Whatever ecological function the dire wolf performed before it went extinct, it can’t perform those functions” in today’s world, Lynch noted.
Still, the births of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi may be the beginning of a new chapter in genetic science—one where long-lost species might walk the Earth again, reminding us of nature’s complexity and our growing ability to reshape it. What do you think about this scientific advancement? Please let us know in our comment section. We love hearing from you!
To learn more about this incredible story, check out the video below
