Colossal Biosciences has reported the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—claiming them as the first "de-extinct" dire wolves in over 12,000 years. The dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus), a formidable predator from the last Ice Age, was believed to have gone extinct approximately 13,000 years ago.

Utilizing ancient DNA extracted from fossils dated between 13,000 and 72,000 years old, Colossal scientists identified 20 specific genes associated with the dire wolf's distinctive traits, such as size and fur characteristics. These genes were edited into the genomes of gray wolves (Canis lupus), the dire wolf's closest living relatives. The modified embryos were then implanted into surrogate dogs, leading to the births of Romulus and Remus in October 2024, followed by Khaleesi in January 2025.

While Colossal heralds this as the first successful de-extinction event, some experts remain cautious. They argue that the resulting animals are genetically modified gray wolves rather than true dire wolves, given the absence of a complete dire wolf genome. Dr. Nic Rawlence, a zoologist from Otago University, emphasized that the dire wolf belongs to a different genus, making precise recreation challenging.

The three pups are currently housed in a secure ecological preserve, where they are being closely monitored. Colossal Biosciences asserts that their goal is "functional de-extinction," aiming to produce animals capable of fulfilling ecological roles similar to those of their extinct counterparts. This endeavor raises ethical and ecological questions about the implications of reintroducing engineered species into modern ecosystems.

This development marks a significant milestone in genetic engineering and de-extinction efforts, prompting discussions about the feasibility and ethics of reviving extinct species. As the scientific community continues to evaluate the implications, the world watches closely to understand the potential impact on biodiversity and conservation strategies.​