The American company **Colossal Biosciences** has achieved a historic breakthrough in biotechnology with the birth of three puppies that replicate the extinct **dire wolf** (Aenocyon dirus), a species that went extinct over **10,000 years ago**.
This achievement represents an important step in the field of **de-extinction** and opens up new possibilities for **species conservation**.
## The resurrection process of the dire wolf
Colossal Biosciences used **advanced genetic editing techniques** to recreate this extinct species.
From DNA extracted from fossils dating between **11,500 and 72,000 years old**, scientists identified **20 key genetic differences** between the dire wolf and its closest relative, the gray wolf. These differences were replicated through genetic editing in gray wolf cells, adjusting the distinctive characteristics of the dire wolf.
The embryos generated through this process were presumably implanted in **domestic dog** females, leading to the birth of three healthy puppies: **Rómulo**, **Remo**, and **Khaleesi**.
The two males were born on **October 1, 2024**, while the female was born on **January 30, 2025**. The puppies exhibit physical traits similar to those of the original dire wolf, including a **larger size than the modern gray wolf** and a **distinctive coat**.
### Monitoring and studying the puppies
Currently, the puppies are located in an **ecological reserve in the United States**, where they are carefully monitored.
This controlled environment allows scientists to study their development, behavior, and adaptation. It is a crucial step in understanding how these animals interact with their environment and determining their viability in **future reintroduction or conservation projects**.
Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, highlighted this achievement as proof of the success of their de-extinction technology: “Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and created healthy dire wolf puppies.” The outcome confirms the effectiveness of the **interspecies gestation** process where embryos of an extinct species are gestated by a modern species.
### Debate on the genome and identity of the dire wolf
Love Dalén, professor of evolutionary genomics at the Center for Paleogenetics at the University of Stockholm and advisor to Colossal, pointed out that the genome of the puppies is **99.9% gray wolf**.
Although this raises debates in the scientific community about the authenticity of “de-extinction,” Dalén ensures that the edited genes give them traits that recreate the **phenotype** of the dire wolf. In his words: “They have resurrected the phenotype of the dire wolf… To me, it is a dire wolf in that sense.”
## Implications and future perspectives
The rebirth of the dire wolf raises **ethical and philosophical questions** about de-extinction: How many genes need to be modified for an organism to be considered authentic? However, this debate does not overshadow the impact of the achievement, which could mark the beginning of new efforts in the recovery of extinct species and the **preservation of biodiversity**.
This milestone not only highlights advances in biotechnology but also the possibilities of applying these techniques to address critical challenges in **species conservation**, adapting them to the needs and risks of the modern world.
*Cover photo: @Colossal*
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