It has been 10,000 years since a dire wolf’s last appearance — that is, until last month when news about the revival of the extinct dire wolf broke out. Colossal Biosciences took the world by storm when they announced the fruit of their de-extinction efforts by introducing Khaleesi, the first female dire wolf in years, following her two older brothers. Founded in 2021, the company is looking to revive previously lost species through CRISPR and genetic engineering.
Meet the pack
Compared to a domestic dog, the dire wolves can be aloof and lonely at times. Using advanced genetic engineering and ancient preserved DNA, Colossal Biosciences’ scientists decoded the genome of the dire wolf and edited the genetic code of the common gray wolf to match it. With domestic dogs serving as surrogate mothers, they successfully brought three pups into the world: Romulus, Remus, and their 2-month-old sister, Khaleesi. Both Romulus and Remus were born on October 1, 2024. At 6 months, Romulus and Remus already weigh 80 lbs at 4 ft. long.
Other species
In addition to the dire wolf, the company also has plans to de-extinct other species. Their key list includes the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger. The last wild Tasmanian tiger in captivity died in 1936, while the last of the mammoths went extinct 4,000 years ago. By reviving these species, the company hopes that it will benefit other existing species in our world today. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences collect preserved DNA from extinct animals and use gene editing technology like CRISPR. For the woolly mammoth, for example, they’re working with the Asian elephant to “cut and paste” the mammoth’s DNA. An embryo is then grown in the lab. By creating these “hybrid” and “revived” species, others in danger of extinction could be made more adaptable to their changing habitats.
Colossal Biosciences is aware that, in the face of biotech and gene editing, animal welfare is a top priority. They have assured the public that no harm was inflicted on any of the animals. Together with their conservation partners, they will continue efforts to conserve and protect endangered species.
Restoring the ecosystem
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, more than 47,000 species are threatened with extinction. This is a result of environmental changes, both natural and human-made. Similarly, the World Animal Foundation stated that animals and plants are dying out 1,000 times faster due to environmental damage caused by human intervention. Loss of natural habitat, global warming, and pollution are among the key factors in extinction.
While natural elements are at play in other species dying out, we can combat other harmful effects to our planet. When one species becomes extinct, it will tip the balance of our ecosystem. Not only will it impact our way of living, but it also poses a threat to our basic necessities like food and shelter. Awareness is the first step in making sure we keep the balance in nature. Another is to support causes, charities, and foundations that aim to protect the environment, our natural resources, and living species. With biotech breakthroughs like Colossal Biosciences’ de-extinction, we may be taking more steps in not only protecting the present but also learning from the past and gaining more advancement in the future.
YouTube: The First Dire Wolf Howl in Over 10,000 Years
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Photo credit: The feature image is owned by Colossal Biosciences and has been provided for press usage.
Sources: Business Wire / International Union for Conservation of Nature / Melody Keilig (World Animal Foundation)
