Scientists Claim Breakthrough in Reviving the Dire Wolf Species

 Scientists Claim Breakthrough in Reviving the Dire Wolf Species

Scientists Bring Back the Dire Wolf Using Ancient DNA and Cutting-Edge Gene Editing

A species long believed lost to time has returned—at least in part. Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences has announced the successful creation of three dire wolf pups, calling it the world’s first successful de-extinction.

Using ancient DNA, advanced cloning, and CRISPR gene editing, Colossal’s team modified gray wolf genes—those of the dire wolf’s closest living relative—to replicate key traits of the long-extinct predator. The result? Hybrid animals bearing a striking resemblance to the legendary dire wolf, Aenocyon dirus, which roamed North America over 12,000 years ago and inspired the dire wolves in Game of Thrones.

“This is a massive milestone,” said Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO. “We took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull—and made healthy dire wolf puppies.”

The pups, two males and one female, were born in late 2024 and early 2025. They now live on a 2,000-acre, high-security site, where they're monitored around the clock. The facility meets both USDA and American Humane Society standards.

Rebuilding the Dire Wolf

By extracting DNA from fossilized remains, researchers rebuilt two high-quality dire wolf genomes. They compared these with genomes from wolves, jackals, and foxes to pinpoint the gene variants responsible for distinct dire wolf features—such as longer, thicker fur, stronger jaws, and a broader skull.

Using CRISPR, scientists edited 14 genes in gray wolf cells, which were then cloned and implanted into domestic dog surrogates. After multiple attempts, three pups were born—each expressing key dire wolf characteristics.

“We didn’t want 25 dire wolves right away,” joked Matt James, Colossal’s chief animal officer. “We’re starting small. These pups are still juveniles, skittish, but adapting.”

Not Clones—But Close

While the animals aren’t exact genetic replicas of dire wolves—about 99.5% gray wolf DNA—experts say they’re close enough to be considered functional versions of the extinct species.

“This isn’t about perfection,” said Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief science officer. “We’ve recreated the functional essence of the dire wolf. These classifications—species, subspecies—they’re human constructs. What matters is the traits we’ve brought back.”

Love Dalén, an evolutionary genomics professor and Colossal advisor, agrees: “This is the closest we’ve come to seeing a dire wolf in 13,000 years. That’s very cool.”

A Bigger Mission: Conservation

Colossal has bigger goals than just resurrecting extinct creatures. The company is also applying its tech to endangered species. It recently used its cloning methods to produce litters of critically endangered red wolves, aiming to boost their genetic diversity.

“This technology could revolutionize conservation,” said Michael Knapp, an anatomy professor in New Zealand. “We could edit harmful mutations out or add traits that help species survive environmental changes.”

But critics warn about the limitations of de-extinction—both ethical and ecological. Reintroducing extinct species into modern ecosystems could be problematic, and the money might be better spent on protecting existing wildlife.

Even so, Colossal says it’s committed to animal welfare and genetic safety, and that its breakthroughs can drive real-world solutions.

“We’re learning so much—not just about cloning and genetics—but about how life itself can be reimagined,” said James. “These dire wolves are just the beginning.”