Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years sounds like the plot of a blockbuster movie, complete with dramatic special effects. However, this scenario has become a reality, thanks to the efforts of the biotech company Colossal Biosciences. They have successfully reintroduced three dire wolves into the world, now residing in a secret location in the US.

Romulus and Remus at three months old

The trio, named Romulus, Remus, and their younger sister Khaleesi, were created using a combination of DNA from the common gray wolf, advanced gene-editing techniques, and domestic dog surrogates. These majestic creatures embody the vision of any Game of Thrones enthusiast—enormous, white, and undeniably awe-inspiring.

“I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,” stated Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences.

“Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies. It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.”

Romulus and Remus at one month old

Colossal Biosciences is no stranger to making headlines. Previously, they engineered a Colossal Woolly Mouse, designed to mimic the appearance of a mammoth, using computational analysis of numerous mammoth genomes. Despite their achievements, the company faces criticism. Some argue that the dire wolves are essentially normal wolves in elaborate costumes, suggesting that the available dire wolf DNA is insufficient for true genetic cloning.

However, the company's ambitions extend beyond creating viral sensations or owning extraordinary pets. Colossal Biosciences aims to leverage their findings to enhance conservation efforts for current species, ensuring their survival for future generations.

“The de-extinction of the dire wolf and an end-to-end system for de-extinction is transformative and heralds an entirely new era of human stewardship of life,” remarked Dr. Christopher Mason, a scientific advisor and member of the board of observers for Colossal.

“The same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help save a variety of other endangered animals as well. This is an extraordinary technological leap in genetic engineering efforts for both science and for conservation as well as preservation of life, and a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct.”

To ensure the well-being of these dire wolves, Colossal Biosciences has collaborated with the American Humane Society and the USDA to establish a 2,000+ acre preserve as their home. The wolves are cared for by a dedicated team, ensuring they receive the attention and care befitting their superstar status.