Scientists claim to have brought the dire wolf back to life.
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Extinct for 12,500 Years, the Dire Wolf Lives Again Thanks to DNA Technology
A species long thought lost to history is back — at least in part. Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences has announced the successful birth of three dire wolf pups, calling them the world’s first “de-extincted” animals.
Using ancient DNA, cloning, and gene-editing technology, Colossal scientists modified gray wolf genes — the dire wolf’s closest living relative — to recreate the iconic Ice Age predator.
How They Did It
Scientists extracted DNA from 13,000-year-old teeth and a 72,000-year-old skull, assembling high-quality dire wolf genomes. By comparing them with modern canines, they identified key traits — like thicker fur, a wider head, and powerful jaws — then used CRISPR technology to insert these characteristics into gray wolf cells.
The embryos were implanted into domestic dogs, leading to three healthy births: two male pups born October 1, 2024, and a female born January 30, 2025.
Where Are They Now?
The dire wolf pups now live on a secure, undisclosed 2,000-acre site surrounded by 10-foot fencing. The area is monitored with drones, cameras, and security teams, and certified by the American Humane Society.
A Controversial Milestone
Colossal, which has raised over $435 million since 2021, aims to revive other extinct species like the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger. But this is the first time it has revealed its work on dire wolves.
Experts acknowledge the achievement but debate remains: How many genes need to be changed for an animal to truly be considered “de-extinct”? These pups are still 99.9% gray wolf, but carry visible dire wolf traits — a massive scientific leap nonetheless.
Colossal also hopes these breakthroughs can aid endangered species. The company recently cloned two litters of critically endangered red wolves using refined cloning techniques developed through this project.
What’s Next?
While the idea of reintroducing dire wolves into the wild sparks imagination, experts caution it's unlikely — at least anytime soon. Their future role may be more about conservation science than ecosystem restoration.
Still, Colossal’s work marks a bold step toward the science-fiction dream of bringing lost species back to life.
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