Has the dire wolf come back to life?

TPP
Jun 29
4 min read

Dire wolves brought back to life using ancient DNA? What is a dire wolf? How are dire wolves different from more common wolves? Who are Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi?

*Genetically modified ‘dire wolf’ pups Romulus and Remus.* | Photo Credit: REUTERS

The dire wolf, a powerful predator that once roamed North America during the Ice Age, is making headlines once again—not for its legendary past, but for a controversial return to life. Famously brought to the cultural forefront by Game of Thrones, the dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) has been declared the world’s first successfully de-extinct animal by Texas-based biotech firm Colossal Biosciences. This bold announcement follows the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

While dire wolves might sound like mythical beasts, they were very real. Fossil evidence reveals that these animals were heavily built, with broader heads, stockier frames, and stronger muscles than modern wolves. Unlike their swifter cousins, dire wolves were adapted for strength, enabling them to hunt large Ice Age prey such as bison, horses, and possibly even mammoths. Their powerful physique made them formidable predators. However, the disappearance of their prey—likely hastened by human activity—led to their extinction around 12,500 years ago, opening the ecological niche for the grey wolf (Canis lupus) to take over across much of North America.

But what makes a dire wolf different from today’s wolves?

Despite physical similarities, recent genetic studies have shown that dire wolves are not closely related to grey wolves. Although they share a common ancestor, the two lineages diverged millions of years ago and evolved independently in the Americas. This makes the classification of these new pups even more contentious—are they truly dire wolves, or just genetically modified grey wolves?

Colossal Biosciences' process of "de-extinction" began with the extraction and sequencing of ancient DNA from two dire wolf specimens—a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old ear bone. This DNA sequencing allowed scientists to pinpoint 20 key genetic differences that distinguished dire wolves from grey wolves, particularly traits like larger body size, thicker fur, and broader skulls.

To recreate these characteristics, researchers used CRISPR technology—a powerful tool often referred to as “molecular scissors”, which enables precise editing of DNA. They inserted these edited gene sequences into grey wolf cells, and then transferred the genetic material into egg cells from domestic dogs. After development in surrogates, the pups were born—marking what Colossal calls a major step in synthetic biology and de-extinction science.

So, who are Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—and what makes them special?

The first two pups, Romulus and Remus, were born on October 1, 2024, followed by Khaleesi, born on January 30, 2025. Currently, at six and three months old respectively, they are already exhibiting striking physical features reminiscent of dire wolves. Romulus and Remus each measure nearly 4 feet in length and weigh around 80 pounds, with projections of reaching 6 feet and 150 pounds upon maturity. All three have white coats, broad heads, and muscular builds—features closely aligned with dire wolf morphology.

Despite these similarities, the question remains: are these true dire wolves? The scientific community is divided. While Colossal refers to them as "de-extincted" dire wolves, critics argue that with 99.9% of their genome still matching grey wolves, the animals are not authentic recreations. Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO, acknowledges this identity dilemma, while Love Dalen, a professor of evolutionary genomics at Stockholm University and an advisor to Colossal, frames it as a philosophical debate. “How many genes need to be changed to make a dire wolf?” he asks. Still, Dalen admits, “These wolves carry dire wolf genes, and they look more like dire wolves than anything we've seen in the last 13,000 years—and that is very cool.”

Why bring the dire wolf back at all?

The implications of this scientific feat go beyond a fascination with ancient predators. According to Colossal, the dire wolf project serves as a proof-of-concept for de-extinction and genetic conservation technologies. This includes applications for species with shrinking genetic diversity—where genome editing could potentially restore lost traits or increase resilience. Andrew Pask, a member of Colossal’s advisory board, emphasizes that such technology represents a new frontier for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.

However, the project is not without controversy. Conservationists like Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Canada, warn that such endeavors may distract from more urgent priorities, such as protecting currently endangered species. “We can’t protect what we already have,” he cautioned in an interview. The project also raises ethical and ecological questions—from long-term impacts to habitat integration, and whether such animals can be truly rewilded.

What happens next in the age of de-extinction?

Nonetheless, Colossal is forging ahead, with plans to continue monitoring the health, behavior, and development of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi. With $435 million in investor backing and a company valuation of $10.2 billion, the startup has ambitious goals. Next in line? Even more audacious projects like the de-extinction of the woolly mammoth, which could further stretch the boundaries of synthetic biology.

Ultimately, whether these creatures are considered true dire wolves or not, their birth signals the beginning of a new era—one in which science, philosophy, and ethics must evolve together. For now, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi stand as living symbols of what happens when ancient DNA meets cutting-edge innovation.