Scientists from the Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences have brought three dire wolf pups into the world, reviving a species that went extinct over 12,000 years ago. CNN reported that they used ancient DNA, gene-editing technology, and cloning to bring about the “de-extinction” of the Dire wolf. The species reportedly once roamed the North American ranges and were larger than gray wolves, with a “wider head, thicker fur, and stronger jaw.”
Dallas-based biotech company, Colossal Biosciences, says it has revived Dire wolf
Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences recently claimed that they have revived the once-extinct Dire wolf. According to CNN, the company claimed that the species will exist again as the “world’s first successfully de-extincted animal.” Ben Lamm, Colossal’s cofounder and CEO, said in a statement that the scientists used DNA from “a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull” to bring Dire wolf puppies into existence.
Colossal’s scientists revealed that they used ancient and preserved DNA from two aforementioned Dire wolf fossils to successfully decipher the “Aenocyon dirus” or Dire Wolf genomes. They then compared these genomes to those of wolves, foxes, and jackals to identify genetic variants for traits that are specific to the de-extincted creature.
Using this information, the scientists altered and rewrote the genetic code of the gray wolf and made several edits in the 14 collected genes before transferring the cells into donor eggs. As per TIME, the professionals reportedly used domestic dogs, especially mixed-breed canines, as surrogate mothers to give birth to Romulus, Remus, and their 2-month-old sister, Khaleesi. Colossal Biosciences revealed that the two male Dire wolf pups arrived on October 1, 2024, while their baby sister was born on January 30.
Ben Lamm further said in the statement, “This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works.” According to CNN’s report, the three Dire wolves are now living on an undisclosed 2,000-acre site. A 3-metre-tall “zoo grade” fencing encloses the area, supervised by security personnel and drones.
