Scientists Announce Birth of First “De-Extincted” Dire Wolves
In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists claim to have brought the extinct dire wolf back to life. Dallas-based biotech firm Colossal Biosciences revealed that it has successfully created three dire wolf pups, calling them the "world’s first successfully de-extincted animals."
Using a combination of ancient DNA, cloning, and advanced gene-editing, Colossal's researchers modified the DNA of a gray wolf — the closest living relative of the dire wolf — to recreate the traits of Aenocyon dirus, a species that vanished roughly 12,500 years ago. The result is a hybrid animal that closely resembles the extinct predator.
Known for inspiring the terrifying beasts in HBO’s Game of Thrones, dire wolves once roamed North America as apex predators. They were larger than gray wolves, with broader skulls, thick light-colored fur, and powerful jaws.
Colossal, which has been pursuing the revival of extinct species like the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger since 2021, had not previously disclosed its efforts on dire wolves until now.
“This is a huge milestone — the first proof that our full de-extinction technology pipeline works,” said Colossal cofounder and CEO Ben Lamm in a press release. “We used DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull to produce healthy dire wolf pups.”
The three pups are currently housed at a secure, undisclosed 2,000-acre location enclosed by 10-foot (3-meter) high zoo-grade fencing. The area is closely monitored by security staff, drones, and live cameras. The facility is both USDA-registered and certified by the American Humane Society.
To recreate the dire wolf, scientists extracted ancient DNA from two fossils and assembled high-quality genomes. They then compared this genetic data with modern canids—wolves, jackals, and foxes—to pinpoint key dire wolf traits, including their distinctive coat and fur.
Researchers made 20 genetic edits across 14 genes in gray wolf cells. These modified cells were cloned and implanted into donor eggs. The embryos were carried to term by surrogate domestic dogs—large, mixed-breed hounds.
Two male pups were born on October 1, 2024, and a female on January 30, 2025.
