Scientists say they have resurrected the dire wolf

Biotechnology firm Colossal Biosciences has reported a significant development in its de-extinction endeavors, announcing the creation of three canid pups engineered to resemble the extinct dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus). The company presents this achievement, detailed in a recent announcement, as the realization of the "world's first successfully de-extincted animal," marking a notable step in applying synthetic biology to conservation and species restoration challenges.

On October 1, 2024, for the first time in human history, Colossal successfully restored a once-eradicated species through the science of de-extinction. After a 10,000+ year absence, our team is proud to return the dire wolf to its rightful place in the ecosystem. Colossal’s innovations in science, technology and conservation made it possible to accomplish something that's never been done before: the revival of a species from its longstanding population of zero.

The dire wolf, a prominent North American apex predator that vanished approximately 12,500 years ago, serves as the subject of this project. Known culturally through depictions such as in the HBO series Game of Thrones, Aenocyon dirus was morphologically distinct from the modern gray wolf (Canis lupus), characterized by its larger size, broader skull, dense pelage, and formidable jaw structure.

According to Colossal, the scientific process involved leveraging ancient DNA recovered from Pleistocene-era specimens – specifically identified as a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. Utilizing advanced gene-editing technologies, researchers modified the genome of the gray wolf, which genetic studies have confirmed as the dire wolf's closest extant relative. This genomic engineering, coupled with cloning techniques, resulted in the birth of three viable pups. These animals are effectively functional hybrids, designed to phenotypically mirror the ancient Aenocyon dirus.

Ben Lamm, Co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, emphasized the significance of this outcome. "This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works," Lamm stated. He highlighted the successful progression from ancient genetic material to healthy offspring as validation of their proprietary platform.

This dire wolf project adds to Colossal's portfolio of high-profile de-extinction initiatives, which include the woolly mammoth, dodo, and thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), pursued since the company's inception in 2021. The work on the dire wolf, however, had not been previously publicized.

The three engineered canids are currently maintained within a secure, 2,000-acre habitat at an undisclosed location. Colossal confirms the facility employs robust security measures, including 10-foot (3-meter) zoo-grade fencing, surveillance by security personnel and drones, and continuous live camera monitoring. Furthermore, the company states the facility holds certification from the American Humane Society and is registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensuring adherence to relevant animal welfare and regulatory standards.

https://x.com/colossal/status/1909247817672957959
https://colossal.com/direwolf/