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| Credit: AP Photos |
U.S.-based Colossal Biosciences has announced the successful recreation of dire wolves, a species that went extinct over 10,000 years ago. Using advanced genetic engineering, the company introduced three genetically modified wolf pups Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, marking a groundbreaking achievement in de-extinction science.
Genetic Engineering Process
Colossal scientists analyzed ancient DNA from two samples: a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old ear bone. They identified 20 genetic traits unique to dire wolves and rewrote the genome of gray wolves to replicate these features. The modified embryos were implanted into surrogate domestic dogs, resulting in the births of Romulus and Remus in October 2024 and Khaleesi in January 2025.
Characteristics of the Revived Wolves
The dire wolf pups exhibit traits such as larger body size, wider heads, and snowy white coats. Despite their genetic modifications, no ancient dire wolf DNA was directly spliced into their genome; instead, CRISPR technology was used to mimic dire wolf characteristics.
Life on a Protected Reserve
The wolves now live on a secure 2,000-acre ecological preserve in the U.S., where they are monitored closely by veterinarians. They are fed a diet resembling their natural prey but will not be rewilded due to their dependence on human care.
Broader Implications for De-Extinction
Colossal Biosciences aims to use similar techniques to revive other extinct species, including the woolly mammoth and the thylacine. The company also seeks to aid conservation efforts for endangered species like the red wolf by addressing genetic bottlenecks.
This milestone raises ethical questions about de-extinction and its impact on ecosystems while showcasing the potential of genetic science to reverse biodiversity loss.
