One of the most imposing prehistoric creatures of the Americas is back. The legendary dire wolf, extinct for over 10,000 years, has been brought back to life in a laboratory by a U.S.-based biotechnology company. Known for their strength and ferocity, these predators weighed around 80 kg and were capable of taking down massive prey such as mastodons and ancient bison.
The scientific breakthrough was achieved by Colossal Biosciences, a startup recognized for its bold work in biotechnology. The first specimens of this ancient species were born in October last year, but the news was only recently made public, capturing global attention.
The three recreated pups have been named Remus, Romulus, and Khaleesi — names inspired by both Roman mythology and pop culture, particularly the series Game of Thrones, in which dire wolves are iconic symbols of House Stark.
Currently, the young wolves are being cared for at a wildlife preservation center in the United States. However, the exact location remains undisclosed to protect the animals from excessive public interest.
According to Time magazine journalists who were granted access to the animals, the pups exhibit distinctly wild behavior: despite their age, they avoid human interaction and are even wary of their own caretakers.
Although they bear a physical resemblance to modern gray wolves and jackals, dire wolves belong to a completely separate genetic lineage. According to Colossal Biosciences, there is no current evidence that dire wolves ever interbred with other canid species, highlighting the uniqueness of this scientific feat.
This milestone reignites discussions about de-extinction and the direction of modern biotechnology, raising an important question: how far should science go to revive the past?
About The Author
More
Colossal Squid Filmed Alive in Natural Habitat for the First Time
World’s Oldest Gorilla in Human Care Celebrates 68th Birthday at German Zoo
Scientists Create the First Accurate 3D Map of a Mammalian Brain — And the Results Are Astonishing