"Science Revives Extinct Dire Wolves"

Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years might sound like a plot from a thrilling sci-fi movie, complete with dramatic special effects. Yet, this scenario has become a reality, thanks to the innovative efforts of the biotech company Colossal Biosciences. They've successfully introduced three dire wolves into the world, currently residing in a secret location within the United States.

Romulus and Remus at three months old

The trio, named Romulus, Remus, and their younger sister Khaleesi, were brought to life using a blend of DNA from the common gray wolf, advanced gene-editing techniques, and domestic dog surrogates. These majestic creatures embody the vision of any dragon mother from Game of Thrones – large, white, and undeniably awe-inspiring.

Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, expressed immense pride in his team's achievement, stating, “This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works.” The team's accomplishment involved extracting DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull to create these healthy dire wolf puppies. Lamm highlighted the magical aspect of their work, noting, “It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.”

Romulus and Remus at one month old

Colossal Biosciences isn't new to making waves in the scientific community. Previously, they engineered a Colossal Woolly Mouse, which resembles a mammoth due to its shaggy appearance. This was achieved through computational analysis of numerous mammoth genomes spanning thousands of years. Critics, however, argue that these dire wolves are merely normal wolves dressed in a genetic costume, suggesting that the existing dire wolf DNA might not be sufficient to create a true genetic clone.

The company's ambitions extend beyond creating viral sensations and exotic pets. Colossal Biosciences aims to leverage its research to aid in the conservation of existing species for future generations. Dr. Christopher Mason, a scientific advisor and board member of observers for Colossal, emphasized the transformative nature of their work, saying, “The de-extinction of the dire wolf and an end-to-end system for de-extinction is transformative and heralds an entirely new era of human stewardship of life.”

He further elaborated on the broader implications, stating, “The same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help save a variety of other endangered animals as well. This is an extraordinary technological leap in genetic engineering efforts for both science and for conservation as well as preservation of life, and a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct.”

To ensure the well-being of these dire wolves, Colossal Biosciences has collaborated with the American Humane Society and the USDA to establish a 2,000+ acre preserve as their home. The wolves are cared for by a dedicated team, ensuring they receive the attention and care fitting for such extraordinary creatures.