Colossal Biosciences Achieves Historic Genetic Feat
Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences has successfully resurrected the dire wolf species. The breakthrough marks the first known case of a de-extincted animal returning through science. Colossal used ancient DNA, cloning, and gene editing to create three living dire wolf pups..
Hybrid Species Returns After 13,000 Years
The dire wolf, Aenocyon dirus, went extinct around 13,000 years ago. Fossils show they once roamed North America as top predators. Colossal cloned the pups using DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. The animals were born using surrogate domestic dogs, specifically large mixed-breed hounds.
Figure 1: Facts about Dire Wolf
Birth of Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi
Two male pups, Romulus and Remus, were born on 1 October 2024. A female pup, Khaleesi, followed on 30 January 2025. All three now live in a secure 800-hectare ecological preserve. The site is equipped with 3-metre-high zoo-grade fencing and full-time security.
Figure 2: Romulus and Remus
CEO Ben Lamm Confirms Genetic Success
Ben Lamm, CEO and cofounder of Colossal, confirmed the scientific milestone. “Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies,” Lamm said. “This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,” he added.
CRISPR Used to Engineer Dire Wolf Genome
Scientists used CRISPR gene-editing tools to transform grey wolf DNA. Grey wolves share close evolutionary ties with dire wolves. Colossal made 20 gene edits across 14 specific genes to achieve the transformation. The altered grey wolf cells were cloned and transferred to donor egg cells. Scientists implanted the embryos into surrogates using interspecies gestation techniques.
DNA Extracted from Fossils
The team extracted DNA from fossils found in Ohio and Idaho. Researchers assembled two high-quality Aenocyon dirus genomes. They identified traits like white coats, long thick fur and wider skulls. Colossal edited the grey wolf genome to reflect these physical features..
Expert Advisor Validates Scientific Achievement
Love Dalén, professor of evolutionary genomics at Stockholm University, advised the project. “There’s no secret that across the genome, this is 99.9% gray wolf,” Dalén said. “It carries dire wolf genes, and these genes make it look more like a dire wolf than anything we’ve seen in the last 13,000 years,” he added. Dalén described the result as a “huge leap” from previous efforts in the field.
Preserve Ensures Safety and Care
The dire wolves live under 24-hour surveillance in a certified preserve. Colossal employs 10 full-time staff for care and monitoring. The preserve also features live camera feeds and drone surveillance. The American Humane Society has certified the facility. The US Department of Agriculture has registered the site.
Conservation Benefits Extend Beyond De-Extinction
Colossal says the technologies can help endangered species. The company has cloned two litters of red wolves using improved cloning methods. Red wolves remain one of the most critically endangered canids in the world.
Company Expands Its De-Extinction Pipeline
Colossal has raised over $435 million since its founding in 2021. The company continues its work on the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger. It expects to produce woolly mammoth calves by 2028.
Ethical Questions and Ecological Challenges Remain
Some experts raise concerns about the ecological role of de-extinct animals. Christopher Preston, environmental philosophy professor at the University of Montana, weighed in. “In states like Montana, we are currently having trouble keeping a healthy population of gray wolves on the land,” Preston said. “It is hard to imagine dire wolves ever being released and taking up an ecological role,” he added. Preston acknowledged Colossal’s efforts to ensure animal welfare in their approach.
Scientific Milestone Sparks Broader Conversations
Colossal’s achievement sets a precedent for future biotechnology. The scientific community continues debating how much DNA must change to classify a species as resurrected. Experts suggest this hybrid genome revives the dire wolf phenotype based on observable traits. Colossal emphasises the importance of thoughtful genetic screening to avoid unintended consequences..
Conclusion: A New Era in De-Extinction
The successful birth of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi signifies the first de-extinct species. Colossal plans to further explore the technology’s application in conservation. The company describes its work as both a scientific achievement and a conservation tool.
Colossal’s dire wolf project showcases a fusion of science and ancient genetics. The milestone redefines possibilities in the fields of cloning and de-extinction. Its broader impact on endangered species conservation remains a central part of the company’s mission.
