Colossal Biosciences, a US-based genomics and biotechnology firm, announced genetic recreation of dire wolves (Aenocyon dirus)—a species that went extinct nearly 13,000 years ago. This marks a major step in the emerging field of de-extinction science, where extinct species are recreated using gene editing and cloning technologies.
Company Involved: Colossal Biosciences (USA)
Species Revived: Dire Wolf (Aenocyon dirus)
About Dire Wolves
Existed until ~13,000 years ago (Late Pleistocene)
Habitat: Southern Canada and United States
Diet: Horses, bison, possibly mammoths
Appearance:
- Larger than modern grey wolves (Canis lupus)
- Up to 3.5 feet tall, 6 feet in length, and 68 kg in weight
- White coat, strong musculature
Cause of Extinction: Likely due to prey loss & human hunting
The De-extinction Process
Source of DNA:
- A 13,000-year-old tooth
- A 72,000-year-old skull (inner ear bone – petrous – preserved DNA well)
Genetic Findings:
- Dire wolf shares 99.5% DNA with grey wolf
- Grey wolf confirmed as closest living relative
Gene Editing:
- 20 edits made to 14 genes
- Traits edited: Light-colored coat, hair length, musculature, body size, patterning
- Technology: CRISPR genome editing
Embryo Creation & Cloning:
- Engineered grey wolf cells to carry dire wolf traits
- Cloned embryos implanted into surrogate dogs
- 3 pups born: Named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi
Scientific Achievement:
- Claimed creation of the world’s first successfully de-extincted animal
- Achieved through CRISPR gene editing, cloning, and ancient DNA sequencing
Criticism:
- Experts argue Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi are symbolic successes of biotech ( these are genetically modified dogs), but not genetically pure dire wolves
- Critics say it’s genetic recreation, not true de-extinction
Hybrid Genome:
- The outcome is a hybrid organism, not a 100% accurate resurrection of the extinct species
Conservation Implications
Ethical Concerns:
- Some conservationists fear de-extinction might reduce interest in preserving endangered species
Red Wolf Cloning:
- Technologies from this project used to clone critically endangered red wolves
- Developed less invasive cloning methods
Positive Outlook:
- Colossal sees de-extinction tech as a conservation tool for other threatened species
Key Facts: The first de-extincted animal was the bucardo, a mountain goat from Pyrenees (Europe) — brought back to life briefly before dying again