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Colossal Biosciences Announces Birth of Genetically Modified “Dire Wolf” Pups and Outlines Future De-Extinction Plans
By Drooid · · How we work
Dire Wolf Pups Born in Texas
On October 1, 2024, three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—were delivered in north Texas using domestic dogs as surrogate mothers. The pups result from reconstructing a genome from ancient dire-wolf DNA and editing the cells of modern gray wolves. The company describes the animals as “the world’s only de-extinction company.”
Genetic Approach to De-Extinction
Colossal employed AI models to piece together the extinct species’ genome and then mapped it to the gray wolf, its closest living relative. CRISPR-based editing created embryos that were implanted in surrogate dogs. The same technique is being applied to a woolly-mammoth project that modifies Asian-elephant cells.
Planned Woolly Mammoth Birth and Environmental Claims
CEO Ben Lamm says the firm aims to achieve a woolly-mammoth birth in the 2030s. Lamm also frames the effort as a platform for broader genome-engineering advances in human health.
Official Statements & Responses
Reporter Julia Boorstin highlighted that some observers view the result as a genetically modified gray wolf rather than a true de-extinction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I constantly have to remind people on X that, you know, they were movies,” — Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder
- “It's highly likely in the next coming year or two, people will continue to see us deliver extinct species back to Earth, and we could even have more dire wolves, too,” — Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder