Cover Colossal shows the “de extinct” dire wolf. Romulus and Remus, are the first two dire wolves to howl in over 10,000 years (Photo: Colossal)
Colossal shows the “de extinct” dire wolf. Romulus and Remus, are the first two dire wolves to howl in over 10,000 years (Photo: Colossal)
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Texas-based biotech firm Colossal Biosciences has ‘brought back’ the dire wolf, but many questions arise
Yes, we might have seen it before. In Steven Spielberg’s 1993 Jurassic Park, where protagonists scramble across Isla Nublar after a ‘de-extinction’ experiment goes horribly wrong. In an age where technology is in full swing, the line between science fiction and reality grows razor-thin.
Just this week, Texas-based biotech firm Colossal Biosciences confirmed that it has brought the dire wolf back from extinction. The species once roamed the forested mountains of North America and the arid savannas of South America around 12,500 years ago. To put that era into perspective, we’re talking Ice Age terrain—megafauna, shifting climates, and early human survival.
Compared to your average grey wolf, the dire wolf exhibits a broader chest, bigger teeth, stronger jaws, and a more prominent snout. With limbs built for power over speed, the animal is not the fastest in the field, but its bite force is thought to have been one of the strongest among canines.
Today, three dire wolf puppies—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—roam a “secret” 2,000-acre ecological preserve in the United States.
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Above A five-month old dire wolf (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
A five-month old dire wolf (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
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Scientists from Colossal Biosciences were able to extract and sequence DNA from two ancient dire wolf specimens: a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old ear bone.
These samples were modified together with the genomes of grey wolves using CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), a gene-editing technology. The genetic material was then inserted into an egg cell from a domestic dog. When the embryos developed, they were inserted into surrogate canines.
“This moment marks not only a milestone for us as a company but also a leap forward for science, conservation, and humanity. From the beginning, our goal has been clear: To revolutionise history and be the first company to use CRISPR technology successfully in the de-extinction of previously lost species,” Colossal Biosciences wrote on X. “By achieving this, we continue to push forward our broader mission on—accepting humanity’s duty to restore Earth to a healthier state.”
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Three New Lives
Above The “embryo” stage of the “de-extinct” dire wolf (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
Above Dire wolf ultrasound (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
The “embryo” stage of the “de-extinct” dire wolf (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
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As of this writing, male dire wolf puppies Romulus and Remus, both born on October 1, 2024, measure nearly four feet (122cm) in length and weigh about 80 pounds (36kg) with projections to reach six feet (183 cm) once they mature.
On the other hand, Khaleesi, a female puppy born on January 30, 2025, is already three months old and developing in a similar manner.
All three dire wolves display physical traits like white coats, larger body sizes, and broader heads.
“Our analysis of the dire wolf genome revealed that they were stunning, with likely light, nearly-white coats, sturdy legs and the unique craniofacial features of a true American superwolf,” Colossal Biosciences wrote.
Why bring them back?
Above Dire wolves Romulus and Remus at four weeks old (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
Dire wolves Romulus and Remus at four weeks old (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
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For scientists at Colossal Biosciences, the project of de-extinction not only pushes the limits of genetic engineering but also holds the potential to revolutionise conservation efforts, particularly for species that grapple with dwindling genetic diversity.
They suggest that the revival of the dire wolf, in this context, arguably stands as an example of what science can do for nature.
“At Colossal, we believe that without taking immediate action and developing revolutionary, life-giving biotechnologies, humanity may soon be in line with the other departed species,” the company said.
“Without question, biodiversity is critical to the continued existence of life on Earth. It offers life-changing medicinal resources, is essential to global nutrient cycles and acts as the ultimate key to life’s resilience. All organisms—regardless of size, species or ecological background rely—both directly and indirectly—on biodiversity to survive,” it added.
Questions Arise
Above Birth of the dire wolf (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
Birth of the dire wolf (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
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The complex science of de-extinction has raised questions among the general public. While Colossal Biosciences labelled the dire wolf as “de-extinct”, most experts argue that they are merely genetically altered grey wolves rather than authentic members of the extinct species.
Furthermore, despite their similarities in appearance, dire wolves are not closely related to modern grey wolves, nor are they their ancestors.
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Above The de-extinct dire wolf at three months old (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
The de-extinct dire wolf at three months old (Photo: Colossal Biosciences)
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The ecological consequences of resurrecting extinct species like the dire wolf is potentially far-reaching. On one hand, reintroducing such predators could restore balance to ecosystems that have evolved without them, and might benefit biodiversity by regulating prey populations and fostering healthy food webs.
However, the dire wolf's return could also disrupt existing species, competing with modern predators like modern grey wolves and coyotes for resources, and possibly overhunting prey species that evolved without such large predators.
Furthermore, there’s a risk of hybridisation with modern wolves, which could blur genetic lines. The world has also changed dramatically since the era of the dire wolf, so its “de-extinction” might result in unforeseen ecological mismatches.
People who are skeptical of the de-extinction project also point out that allocating resources to living animals at risk of extinction should be the primary focus.
They assert that with biodiversity declining at an alarming rate, it is essential to concentrate efforts on protecting and conserving species that are still present in our ecosystems, rather than resurrecting those that have already disappeared.
Future Projects
Above Besides the dire wolf, Colossal Biosciences seeks to bring back the woolly mammoth, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger (Photo: Getty Images)
Besides the dire wolf, Colossal Biosciences seeks to bring back the woolly mammoth, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger (Photo: Getty Images)
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The team behind Colossal Biosciences is far from meek when it comes to their future projects. Among their ambitious plans are the de-extinction of the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), woolly mammoth, and the dodo bird.
“The past can be thought of as a completed evolutionary experiment that can inform how we decide to manage ecosystems today and into the future,” said the chief science officer of Colossal, Dr Beth Sapiro.
“We believe that to support a biodiverse future, we must facilitate ancient DNA research across the world. Ancient DNA is the world’s discovery sandbox, and it holds millions of yet-to-be-discovered secrets that we can use to improve our planet’s future,” she added.
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Credits
Images: Colossal Biosciences
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
