Genetic Engineering Firm Claims to ‘Revive’ Dire Wolves After 13,000 Years of Extinction, Sparking ‘Jurassic Park’ Parallels
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
12:47 PM – Monday, April 7, 2025
Colossal Biosciences, the biotechnology firm dedicated to resurrecting extinct species, has declared a breakthrough in bringing the dire wolf back after an absence of nearly 13,000 years.
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The company revealed on Monday that through genetic material sourced from two fossils, combined with “20 edits of the genetic code” from a gray wolf, the nearest living relative of the dire wolf, they have essentially revived this long-lost canine, famously referenced in the Grateful Dead’s 1970 song “Dire Wolf.”
“This achievement signifies not only a landmark for our company but also a significant advancement for science and conservation efforts worldwide. Our mission has always been clear: to innovate history and be a pioneer in applying CRISPR technology for the de-extinction of lost species,” stated the company.
“By reaching this milestone, we contribute to our overarching goal of embracing humanity’s responsibility to restore the planet to a healthier condition,” they added.
Colossal explained that they utilized “CRISPR” technology to give birth to three dire wolves. Their research indicated a preference for the wolves to feature fluffy white fur.
CRISPR, short for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,” is a tool that scientists leverage to selectively alter the DNA of various organisms, as per the National Human Genome Research Institute.
“Our team extracted DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull to produce healthy dire wolf puppies,” said Colossal’s CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm. “As the saying goes, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, we’re excited to showcase some of the extraordinary advancements we are making in the realm of conservation.”
The two male dire wolves have been named “Romulus” and “Remus,” after the mythical founders of Rome. The imagery of a “she-wolf” nurturing the twins has symbolized the city since at least the 3rd century B.C.
The female dire wolf is named “Khaleesi,” inspired by Daenerys Targaryen from “Game of Thrones,” where six dire wolves appear as part of “House Stark.”
Currently, the trio resides in a secure refuge covering over 2,000 acres at a non-disclosed location. These dire wolves are expected to weigh between 130 to 150 pounds, significantly more than the typical gray wolf, which ranges between 80 to 100 pounds.
While some “Game of Thrones” enthusiasts might assume that dire wolves are mythical, they were indeed a real species that once flourished in the Americas, likely going extinct alongside the large herbivores they relied on for survival.
Over 3,600 dire wolf fossils have been uncovered at the famous La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. The local museum features an entire wall showcasing more than 400 dire wolf skulls.
Looking ahead, Colossal has revealed intentions to resurrect other iconic creatures such as the woolly mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, and the dodo bird, celebrating their work on the dire wolf as a testament to their technological potential.
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