On the brink of a scientific marvel, Colossal Biosciences has unveiled the first successful instance of de-extinction with the creation of the dire wolf, a species that vanished more than 12,500 years ago. The company, based in Dallas, has harnessed cutting-edge genome editing and cloning technologies to resurrect the wolf, known from its iconic portrayal in the popular HBO series ‘Game of Thrones.’
The dire wolf, which once roamed the American midcontinent during the Ice Age, is now the subject of a groundbreaking project. Using CRISPR technology, the team modified the genome of a living gray wolf to incorporate traits believed to have been present in the ancient dire wolf, such as larger body size and distinctive fur patterns. The project involved the retrieval of genetic material from two dire wolf fossils, one dating back approximately 13,000 years and the other around 72,000 years. These genetic elements were used to create the first de-extincted animal ever recorded.
Colossal’s chief scientist, Beth Shapiro, highlighted that 20 specific genome edits were made, with 15 of these aligning with genes found in actual dire wolves. The resulting offspring, including two adolescent male wolves named Romulus and Remus, and a female puppy named Khaleesi, were born as a result of embryo transfer to domestic dog surrogates. The company has established these genetically engineered wolves in a 2,000-acre ecological preserve in Texas, which is certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the USDA.
While the company celebrates this milestone as the first of many examples of its de-extinction technology, some experts remain skeptical. Professor Corey Bradshaw of Flinders University in Australia noted that the project represents a genetic modification rather than a true resurrection of the species. He argued that the wolves are not a direct descendant of the ancient dire wolf but a slightly modified gray wolf. Despite these reservations, the company’s CEO, Ben Lamm, expressed confidence that this achievement could pave the way for future conservation efforts through technological innovation.
The broader implications of this project extend beyond the dire wolf, with Colossal Biosciences having previously announced similar initiatives involving extinct species such as wooly mammoths and dodos. The company’s announcement has also prompted discussions about the ethical and ecological consequences of de-extinction, as well as the potential role of such technologies in the conservation of endangered species. As the scientific community continues to explore the possibilities and limitations of genetic resurrection, the dire wolf stands as a symbol of the intersection between science, technology, and the potential for reshaping the natural world in ways previously thought impossible.