Colossal Biosciences Brings Back Dire Wolves in Groundbreaking Effort

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Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotech company, has successfully brought back the extinct dire wolf species by using ancient DNA. The company has now birthed three dire wolf pups - Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi - through a process of extracting DNA from ancient dire wolf fossils and implanting them into surrogate dog mothers. The pups are now over a year old and the company has been documenting their growth and development through a series of photos.

Why it matters

The revival of the dire wolf, a species that went extinct around 10,000 years ago, is a major scientific breakthrough that could have implications for conservation efforts and our understanding of prehistoric species. Colossal's work demonstrates the potential of de-extinction technologies to bring back lost species and restore ecological balance.

The details

Romulus and Remus, the first two dire wolf pups born at Colossal, were born in October 2024 and are now over 16 months old. The company has also birthed a female pup named Khaleesi, born in January 2025. The pups have been closely monitored and documented as they mature, with the company noting differences in their size, build, and behaviors. While friendly with their caretakers, the wolves still exhibit wild instincts and would view humans as prey if encountered in their enclosure.

• Romulus and Remus were born on October 1, 2024.
• Khaleesi, the female dire wolf pup, was born in January 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Colossal Biosciences plans to continue monitoring the growth and development of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, with the goal of eventually establishing a breeding population of dire wolves to help restore the species.