For the first time in over 10,000 years, pups resembling the long-extinct dire wolf are roaming once again—this time in a secure, undisclosed location in the United States.
According to scientists at Colossal Biosciences, the Dallas-based company behind the breakthrough, three wolf pups have been born through genetic engineering. The animals already weigh nearly 80 pounds and are expected to reach 140 pounds as adults. They have long white hair and pronounced muscular jaws—traits associated with the dire wolves that once roamed North America.
Pups named after mythology and pop culture icons
Two of the wolves have been named Romulus and Remus, referencing the legendary twin founders of Rome. The third is named Khaleesi, after the dragon queen from Game of Thrones. Romulus and Remus were born on October 1, 2024, while Khaleesi was born on January 31, 2025.
Ancient DNA, modern science
To recreate the dire wolves, scientists studied ancient DNA from fossils, including a 13,000-year-old tooth found in Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull fragment discovered in Idaho. Using that data, researchers genetically modified blood cells from a modern gray wolf in 20 different sites using CRISPR gene-editing technology.
The modified genetic material was inserted into egg cells from domestic dogs, which were then implanted into surrogate dogs. Sixty-two days later, the engineered pups were born.
Part of a broader de-extinction push
Colossal Biosciences has previously announced similar efforts to bring back other extinct species, including the woolly mammoth and the dodo. This latest success marks a major milestone in the field of de-extinction, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with genetic engineering and conservation science.
