Dire Wolves Resurrected: Biotech Firm Brings Extinct Species Back to Life

In a stunning scientific breakthrough, Colossal Biosciences announced in April 2025 the successful "de-extinction" of the dire wolf, a species extinct for over 13,000 years, famed from "Game of Thrones." Using DNA from fossils, including a 13,000-year-old tooth from Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull from Idaho, the $10 billion biotech firm genetically edited gray wolf cells to create three pups: males Romulus and Remus, born October 1, 2024, and female Khaleesi, born January 30, 2025. Born via surrogate dogs, these wolves are 20% larger than gray wolves, sporting white, thick fur and muscular jaws, and are housed in a secretive 2,000-acre facility in the northern U.S.

Led by Chief Scientific Officer Beth Shapiro, the project, which began in 2023, edited 20 of 80 distinct dire wolf genes, avoiding five linked to deafness and blindness for health reasons. This marks the first time an extinct species has been revived through genetic engineering, a feat with over 99% DNA similarity to gray wolves. The company also cloned four red wolf-coyote hybrids, hinting at conservation applications, such as aiding the endangered red wolf.

The announcement has sparked global fascination and debate. While culturally resonant—thanks to the pups’ mythological and pop-culture-inspired names—their captive upbringing raises questions about their "dire wolf" authenticity and wild adaptability. Native American groups, like the MHA Nation, are exploring land for potential reintroduction, amplifying the story’s stakes.

Covered by outlets like The New York Times and CNN, this tech-driven saga blends innovation with ethical quandaries. Colossal’s broader ambitions include mammoths and dodos, but the dire wolf revival stands as a juicy milestone, merging science fiction with reality and promising a new era for biodiversity—if the wolves can thrive beyond their high-tech cradle.