Colossal Biosciences has achieved a breakthrough in de-extinction, successfully recreating a wolf species that vanished 12,500 years ago. The company has developed three dire wolf pups using advanced genetic technologies, marking what they claim is the “world’s first successfully de-extincted animal.”
By extracting ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils and utilizing gene-editing techniques, scientists modified gray wolf genes to recreate the prehistoric Aenocyon dirus. The result is a hybrid species closely resembling the extinct predator that once roamed North America and inspired the fierce canines in “Game of Thrones.”
Unlike traditional gray wolves, dire wolves were larger, with broader heads, thicker fur, and more powerful jaws. Colossal’s team meticulously assembled two high-quality dire wolf genomes by comparing genetic information from various canid species.
“Our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,” said Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO. The company used CRISPR technology to edit 20 genetic variants across 14 genes, ultimately transferring embryos to surrogate dogsspecifically large, mixed-breed hounds.
Two male pups were born on October 1, 2024, with a female following on January 30, 2025. They currently reside in a secure 2,000-acre facility with comprehensive monitoring systems.
Love Daln, an evolutionary genomics professor and Colossal adviser, noted the scientific significance: “This is 99.9% gray wolf, but it carries dire wolf genes that make it look more like its prehistoric ancestor.”
The company, which has raised $435 million since its 2021 founding, views this as more than a scientific curiosity. They hope these technologies can aid conservation efforts, already having produced cloned litters of critically endangered red wolves.
Critics remain skeptical about the practical ecological implications. Christopher Preston, an environmental philosophy professor, questioned the potential for these recreated species to meaningfully integrate into existing ecosystems, particularly given current challenges with wolf populations.
Despite potential controversies, Colossal maintains that their approach prioritizes genetic screening and animal welfare. The company continues to push boundaries in de-extinction research, with future projects including mammoth resurrection planned for 2028.
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