Scientists Revive Dire Wolves

Reviving a prehistoric predator like the dire wolf after 12,500 years of extinction might seem like the plot of a sci-fi horror film, complete with razor-sharp teeth and visceral thrills. Yet a determined team has made it happen—three dire wolves now reside at a confidential U.S. location.

Behind this ambitious project stands Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm that merged gray wolf DNA with gene-editing techniques and domestic dog surrogates to birth Romulus, Remus, and their sister Khaleesi. These majestic white wolves embody the awe-inspiring presence their "mother of dragons" namesake would admire.

"This breakthrough validates our de-extinction platform," said Colossal CEO Ben Lamm. "By extracting DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull, we've produced healthy dire wolf pups. What once seemed like magic is now science reshaping conservation."

Colossal previously made waves by engineering a shaggy-coated "woolly mouse" using mammoth DNA analysis. Critics contend these dire wolves are essentially gray wolves genetically dressed up—a far cry from true clones. Yet the company's mission extends beyond novelty: their technology aims to protect endangered species.

"This marks humanity's new role as stewards of life," said scientific advisor Dr. Christopher Mason. "The same innovations that revived dire wolves could safeguard living species—a revolutionary fusion of biotechnology and conservation."

The wolves reside on a USDA-approved 2,000-acre preserve with dedicated caretakers, blending cutting-edge science with ethical animal welfare standards.