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In a groundbreaking scientific development, researchers at U.S. biotech company Colossal Biosciences, based in Texas, have announced the birth of three dire wolf pups—marking the first time the species has existed in over 10,000 years. The announcement was made on Monday, revealing that two six-month-old males, Romulus and Remus, and a three-month-old female, Khaleesi, have been born using cutting-edge cloning and gene-editing technologies. The dire wolf, made iconic by Game of Thrones, was a real Ice Age predator, larger and more muscular than modern grey wolves.
The team, led by Colossal’s Chief Science Officer Dr. Beth Shapiro, used DNA extracted from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull to reconstruct the dire wolf genome. They then edited the genes of blood cells from a grey wolf—its closest living relative—at 20 specific sites to match dire wolf traits. These edited cells were inserted into dog egg cells, gestated in surrogates, and successfully born as healthy pups. Dr. Shapiro noted that their approach sets a new standard in paleogenomic reconstruction and provides a template for future de-extinction efforts.
Distinctive features of the dire wolves include thick, light-colored fur and powerful jaws, making them larger and more robust than today’s wolves. The pups will be raised in a secure, USDA-registered ecological preserve under continuous monitoring.
In addition to the dire wolves, Colossal also announced the cloning of four red wolves, a critically endangered species in the southeastern U.S., to boost genetic diversity in captive breeding programs. The company, co-founded by entrepreneur Ben Lamm and supported by cultural adviser George R.R. Martin, aims to use its technology to support conservation efforts and restore lost biodiversity.
