Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotech company, announced the creation of three dire wolf pups, claiming it as the world's first successful de-extinction. This achievement involved using ancient DNA from fossils, cloning, and gene editing techniques to modify the genes of a gray wolf, the dire wolf's closest living relative.
Scientists assembled high-quality genomes from dire wolf fossils and compared them to those of living canids to identify distinctive dire wolf traits. They then used this genetic information to alter gray wolf cells, making 20 edits in 14 genes before cloning and transferring embryos into surrogate domestic dogs. The result is a hybrid that resembles the extinct dire wolf.
Two male pups were born on October 1, 2024, and a female pup on January 30, 2025. The pups are kept in a secure, 2,000-acre facility meeting American Humane Society standards and USDA registration.
Experts acknowledge the groundbreaking nature of this work, but debates arise regarding the extent of genetic modification necessary to consider it a true 'dire wolf'. Some critics question the allocation of resources and the potential risks to surrogate animals. However, supporters emphasize precautions taken to mitigate genetic consequences and ensure animal welfare.
Colossal Biosciences hopes to apply this technology to conservation efforts, having already cloned red wolves using a similar, less-invasive approach. The company also plans to create woolly mammoth calves by 2028. The long-term ecological role of the de-extincted dire wolves remains unclear, however, prompting ethical considerations.