Colossal Biosciences has created three dire wolf pups—Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi—the world’s first successfully de-extincted animals.
Using DNA from 13,000- and 72,000-year-old fossils, scientists edited 20 gene sites in gray wolf cells to recreate dire wolf traits—like thick white fur, wider heads and stronger jaws—before cloning the cells.
Cloning success and births
Two male pups were born in October 2024, followed by a female in January 2025. Domestic hounds served as surrogates for all three pups.
All three pups currently live on a 2,000-acre, undisclosed site secured with drones, cameras and 10-foot fencing. The facility is certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the USDA.
Though the pups are 99.9% gray wolves genetically, they carry key dire wolf traits like thicker fur and stronger jaws.
Science meets Jurassic ambition
Colossal, founded in 2021, currently employs 130 scientists. The startup also aims to resurrect the woolly mammoth, dodo and Tasmanian tiger. In March, it unveiled a “woolly mouse” with mammoth traits.
Scientists believe these efforts could help protect endangered species through genetic engineering, making animals more resilient to climate change.
Colossal, which has raised $435 million, says this breakthrough proves its de-extinction tech works.
While experts call it a scientific leap, others question the ecological purpose of resurrecting extinct species.