Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years sounds like the plot of a thrilling movie, complete with special effects of gnawed flesh and fake intestines. However, this isn't fiction; it's reality. The biotech company Colossal Biosciences has successfully resurrected the dire wolf, and now three of these magnificent creatures—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—reside in a secret location within the US.
Romulus and Remus at three months old
Colossal Biosciences utilized DNA from the common gray wolf, employed gene-editing techniques, and used domestic dog surrogates to bring these dire wolves to life. These pups embody the awe-inspiring vision any mother of dragons would cherish: huge, white, and undeniably awesome.
“I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,” said CEO of Colossal, Ben Lamm.
“Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies. It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.”
Romulus and Remus at one month old
This isn't Colossal Biosciences' first foray into de-extinction. The company previously engineered a Colossal Woolly Mouse, a creature resembling a mammoth phenotype, using computational analysis of 59 woolly, Columbian, and steppe mammoth genomes ranging from 3,500 to over 1,200,000 years old. Critics argue that the dire wolves are genetically akin to normal wolves in fancy costumes, suggesting that the remaining dire wolf DNA is insufficient for a true genetic clone.
Colossal Biosciences' mission extends beyond creating social media sensations or owning extraordinary pets. The company aims to leverage its findings to preserve current species for future generations.
“The de-extinction of the dire wolf and an end-to-end system for de-extinction is transformative and heralds an entirely new era of human stewardship of life,” said Dr. Christopher Mason, a scientific advisor and member of the board of observers for Colossal.
“The same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help save a variety of other endangered animals as well. This is an extraordinary technological leap in genetic engineering efforts for both science and for conservation as well as preservation of life, and a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct.”
Colossal Biosciences has collaborated with the American Humane Society and the USDA to ensure the well-being of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi on their expansive 2,000+ acre preserve. These dire wolves are not just scientific marvels but are cared for by a dedicated team, underscoring the company's commitment to their welfare.
