De-Extinction World First: Colossal Biosciences Announces Return of the Dire Wolf

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In the real world, dire wolves are non-existent creatures, appearing primarily in the imaginary landscapes of novels, films, and video games. They can be spotted in the Badlands of Warhammer, wandering the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons & Dragons, and following the Stark family in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Contrary to popular depictions in fantasy, dire wolves were real animals that once roamed North America. They hunted mammoths, bison, and other large creatures until around the end of the last ice age. Afterward, they became extinct, taking their distinctive role in the North American ecosystem with them. However, six months ago, they made a surprising reappearance.

12,500 years ago, dire wolves became extinct, but now, as the CEO of Colossal Biosciences, Ben Lamm shared with SYFY WIRE last October, they’ve managed to create puppies using a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 73,000-year-old skull. Currently, there are three dire wolves in existence.

For More on De-Extinction

Could we potentially rescue endangered species by resurrecting the DNA of extinct animals such as dire wolves and giant sloths? The Colossal Foundation is pioneering this concept through de-extinction research. Let’s introduce you to the Woolly Mouse, a step towards the return of the Woolly Mammoth.

From ancient DNA to living animals: Bringing dire wolves back from extinction

It’s well-known from fossil evidence that dire wolves resemble modern gray wolves in many ways, but they are significantly larger. Dire wolves possess distinct skeletal and muscle structures, which result in broad shoulders, wider skulls, expansive jaws and teeth, and stronger legs.

In recent times, the exact connection between these creatures and contemporary canids has been a topic of discussion. A study from 2021 indicated they might be genetically closer to current jackals rather than gray wolves, having diverged approximately 5 million years ago. The examination of dire wolf DNA from two specimens, part of Colossal’s total resurrection process, implies a more intricate family tree with an old split and subsequent interbreeding, suggesting a strong bond to modern gray wolves.

As per Colossal’s findings, their research yielded over five hundred times more data about the dire wolf genome compared to what was previously accessible. Throughout this process, they managed to determine both the similarities and differences between dire wolves and gray wolves. Additionally, they identified crucial genes responsible for specific dire wolf characteristics and engineered them accordingly. Here’s a breakdown of their approach.

Initially, researchers at Colossal Laboratories obtained and deciphered the genetic code from two fossils of ancient dire wolves. One was a 12,000-year-old tooth found in Sheridan Pit, Ohio, while the other was a 73,000-year-old inner ear bone from a skull unearthed in American Falls, Idaho. Subsequently, they pieced together the genetic makeup from these specimens and contrasted them with those of contemporary canids, such as gray wolves. Ultimately, their study revealed that the genetic structure of dire wolves and gray wolves shares approximately 99.5% similarity.

A significant discovery was made regarding key genetic variations linked with aspects such as coat pattern, fur density, and body size. Subsequently, Colossal selected a donor genome from a common gray wolf and modified 14 genes at 20 specific locations. Out of these modifications, 15 closely resembled the extinct gene variants present in ancient dire wolves. The remaining five edits were similar modern traits found in gray wolves, which were incorporated to enhance the well-being of the animals.

The study of computational analysis showed, for example, that dire wolves had white fur. It additionally uncovered that the gene responsible carried a non-zero probability of causing the puppies to be blind, deaf, or both. Using this gene might have resulted in an animal more accurate to its historical counterpart, but it would also have brought about unnecessary risk. Instead, Colossal opted for an alternative gene found in current gray wolves which provided the desired fur trait without the unwanted side effect.

Using edited cell lines, Colossal generated clones via somatic cell nuclear transfer, similar to the method used for Dolly the sheep’s creation. They then implanted these modified embryos into a surrogate mother, leaving nature to complete the process.

The method employed in Colossal differs significantly from the genetic wizardry depicted in Jurassic Park (now available from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment). Instead of manufacturing a dire wolf entirely using ancient DNA and some laboratory sleight-of-hand, Colossal utilized ancient DNA to pinpoint crucial components in the recipe for a dire wolf. Subsequently, they engineered a gray wolf with those distinctive traits using this information. Whether or not these creations truly qualify as “real” dire wolves is a matter of debate. However, if it behaves like a dire wolf and shares its characteristics, then perhaps it’s akin to a dire wolf in function.

Meet Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, the Colossal dire wolves

Colossal carried out the resurrection process not just once, but twice, leading to a total of three wolf cubs. Born first on October 1, 2024 were twin boys, christened Romulus and Remus. As Lamm stated, “Two of our three [resurrected wolves] are five months old now; the third is a female we named Khaleesi. She was born approximately six weeks ago.

Currently, Romulus and Remus cohabit within a 2,000-acre ecological sanctuary known as Zone Alpha, its exact whereabouts concealed somewhere in the northern United States. Khaleesi resides independently until she matures enough to fend for herself. This preserve is registered with the USDA and endorsed by the American Humane Society.

Every day, their diet consists primarily of approximately 6 pounds of meat, which is a combination of beef, horse, and deer, along with around 3 cups of dry food. As they mature, they’ll gradually consume larger quantities of whole prey. Within Zone Alpha lies a smaller 6-acre area that serves as both a monitoring and research site for these wolves. This enclosure also houses an on-site veterinary clinic, wolf management facility, storm shelter, and a natural den for the wolves to use.

A team of ten full-time employees, along with a resident veterinarian, work diligently in the care of the animals. The establishment is equipped with a veterinary hospital that prioritizes animal wellbeing. The premises boast sturdy zoo-standard fencing that stands at 9 feet tall, reinforced perimeter security, surveillance cameras on the premises, drone monitoring, and a specialized security team to ensure the safety of all inhabitants.

Let’s just hope Dennis Nedry isn’t on staff.

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2025-04-07 20:32