Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years might sound like the plot of a sci-fi thriller, but it's a reality thanks to Colossal Biosciences. This biotech company has successfully resurrected the dire wolf, resulting in three majestic creatures—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—now residing in a secret location in the US.
Using advanced gene-editing techniques and DNA from the common gray wolf, along with domestic dog surrogates, Colossal Biosciences achieved this remarkable feat. The dire wolves look exactly as one might expect from a fantasy epic—enormous, white, and awe-inspiring.
“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 Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences.
“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.”
Colossal Biosciences isn't new to making headlines. They previously engineered a Colossal Woolly Mouse to mimic a mammoth's appearance, utilizing computational analysis of numerous mammoth genomes spanning thousands to over a million years old. Critics argue that the dire wolves are more akin to regular wolves in elaborate costumes, suggesting that the dire wolf DNA used may not be sufficient for a true genetic clone.
However, the company's goals extend beyond creating social media buzz or owning exotic pets. Colossal Biosciences aims to use its research to aid in the preservation of 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 board member at 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 conservation, as well as preservation of life, and a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct.”
As for the dire wolves themselves, Colossal Biosciences has collaborated with the American Humane Society and the USDA to ensure their 2,000+ acre preserve meets the highest standards. These animals are cared for by a dedicated team, ensuring their well-being and the continuation of this groundbreaking project.
