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| Genetically engineered 'dire wolves' brought back to life by scientists, mirroring extinct Ice Age predators (Image Colossal Biosciences) |
Have Scientists Really Brought Back the Dire Wolf? Not So Fast, Say Experts
In a headline-grabbing announcement on April 7, biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences claimed they had "brought back" the extinct dire wolf — the iconic predator of the Ice Age. With adorable photos of snow-white wolf pups named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, the story felt like a scene from Jurassic Park meets Game of Thrones. But beneath the surface, scientists are sounding the alarm: these animals are not true dire wolves — and this isn't genuine de-extinction.
Romulus and Remus, two of the three genetically engineered 'dire wolves' by Colossal Biosciences, were born in October 2024.(Image credit: Colossal Biosciences)
What Did Colossal Actually Create?
Colossal engineered pups using CRISPR gene-editing technology. Starting with partial DNA from dire wolf fossils — a 13,000-year-old tooth from Ohio and a 72,000-year-old bone from Idaho — researchers compared these ancient genes with those of modern canids (wolves, foxes, jackals). Based on this comparison, they edited 20 genetic sequences in 14 genes of gray wolves to mimic traits once found in dire wolves.
The modified embryos were then implanted into domestic dogs, resulting in the birth of the so-called “dire wolf” pups.
Romulus and Remus, Colossal’s genetically engineered 'dire wolves,' seen at 5 months old inside a secure nature preserve. (Image credit: Colossal Biosciences)
Experts Call It Misleading
Many scientists argue that calling these creatures “de-extincted dire wolves” is a massive stretch. Nic Rawlence from the University of Otago bluntly stated, "What Colossal have produced is a gray wolf with dire wolf-like characteristics... this is a hybrid, not a resurrection."
And they’re not alone in that view. Evolutionary ecologist David Mech clarified that dire wolves (Aenocyon dirus) split from gray wolves about six million years ago, forming their own unique genus. In fact, they may be more closely related to African jackals than to modern wolves.
So, while Colossal’s canids might look like dire wolves, genetically and evolutionarily, they are far from the real deal.
Technological Triumphs — But at What Cost?
Despite the controversy, Colossal’s achievement showcases real advancements in genetic engineering. The gene-editing process could benefit endangered species. For example, the red wolf (Canis rufus) — the world’s rarest wolf — saw a boost from the birth of two cloned litters using similar methods.
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But conservationists are urging caution. “De-extinction is flashy, but what about protecting the species we already have?” asks Philip Seddon, professor of zoology at the University of Otago. Introducing genetically engineered animals into the wild could have unpredictable ecological consequences, and many doubt the viability of such efforts.
Are We Chasing a Dream?
Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi will live out their lives in a fenced preserve, under careful monitoring. For now, there's no plan to release them into the wild — and perhaps that’s for the best.
As much as humanity longs to reverse extinction, some scientists say it’s time we accept a hard truth: extinction is still final. Until technology evolves far beyond where it is now, what we’re witnessing isn’t resurrection — it’s re-creation, with caveats.
What Do You Think?
Is this breakthrough a hopeful step for conservation science, or are we heading down a slippery ethical slope? Should we focus more on protecting today's endangered species than re-engineering the past?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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