SAN FRANCISCO, California – Genetically engineered wolves resembling the extinct dire wolves are now roaming, resting, and howling in a secure facility in the United States. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have successfully created three wolf pups, each between three to six months old, with long white fur, strong jaws, and the potential to reach 140 pounds in weight when fully grown.
Dire wolves, which disappeared over 10,000 years ago, were known for their larger size compared to gray wolves. While this development is groundbreaking, independent experts caution that it does not mean dire wolves will be reintroduced into their former habitats anytime soon.
The team at Colossal Biosciences utilized ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils to identify specific traits. By genetically modifying blood cells from living gray wolves using CRISPR technology and transferring them to egg cells from domestic dogs, they were able to create embryos, which were subsequently carried to term by surrogate dogs. This complex process resulted in the birth of genetically engineered wolf pups that physically resemble young dire wolves.
Although these pups share physical similarities with their extinct counterparts, they may never fully acquire the hunting skills needed to survive in the wild, as they will not have the opportunity to learn from wild dire wolf parents. Colossal Biosciences also announced the successful cloning of four red wolves using blood samples from the critically endangered red wolf population in the southeastern United States, aiming to increase genetic diversity within captive red wolf populations.
The implications of this technology extend beyond the recreation of extinct species, offering a less invasive method for wildlife conservation efforts. While the cloning process still requires sedating wild wolves for blood draws, it presents a promising avenue for preserving biodiversity. Colossal’s CEO recently met with officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior to discuss the project, receiving praise for their innovative approach to scientific endeavors.
Despite the excitement surrounding these advancements, experts emphasize the limitations of resurrecting long-extinct species, noting that ecological landscapes have evolved since the extinction of species like the dire wolf. While these developments mark a new frontier in genetic engineering and conservation, their practical implications for restoring ecosystems remain uncertain.