"Science Revives Extinct Dire Wolves"

Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years sounds like the plot of a blockbuster movie, complete with dramatic special effects. Yet, it's not fiction; it's reality, thanks to the efforts of Colossal Biosciences. This biotech company has successfully reintroduced three dire wolves—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—to the world, housing them in a secret location in the US.

Romulus and Remus at three months old

Colossal Biosciences achieved this feat by combining the DNA of the common gray wolf with gene-editing techniques and using domestic dog surrogates. The result? Three majestic, white dire wolves that embody the awe-inspiring vision of any Game of Thrones enthusiast.

“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 CEO of Colossal Ben Lamm.

“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.”

Romulus and Remus at one month old

This isn't Colossal Biosciences' first foray into de-extinction. They previously engineered a Colossal Woolly Mouse, designed to mimic the mammoth phenotype, using computational analysis of numerous mammoth genomes. However, the company faces criticism, with some arguing that the dire wolves are essentially normal wolves in elaborate costumes, lacking the true genetic makeup of their extinct ancestors.

Colossal Biosciences' mission extends beyond creating viral sensations and owning extraordinary pets. The company aims to leverage its findings to enhance conservation efforts for current species, ensuring their survival 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 member of the board of observers for 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 for conservation as well as preservation of life, and a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct.”

To ensure the well-being of these dire wolves, Colossal Biosciences has collaborated with the American Humane Society and the USDA to establish a 2,000+ acre preserve as their home. The wolves are cared for by a dedicated team, ensuring they thrive in their new environment.