Colossal Biosciences, a US biotechnology company, announced its successful creation of a genetically engineered proxy of the extinct dire wolf.
The dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) is an extinct canine species that is believed to have existed at least 10,000 years ago. It is said to be paler and larger than the modern gray wolf (Canis lupus) in terms of overall size, notably its teeth and skull.
As part of its de-extinction project, Colossal Biosciences genetically modified gray wolf cells to express defining traits of the extinct dire wolf. Using DNA sequenced from fossil specimens, they applied CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce 20 precise edits across 14 genes. The edited nuclei were transferred into domestic dogs serving as surrogates. This led to the birth of three pups displaying physical and behavioral features similar to those of the ancient dire wolf.
Colossal describes the project as a true revival of the dire wolf, but the claim has been met with skepticism from the scientific community. Experts point out that only partial genomic data could be recovered from fossil specimens, and argue that without a complete genome, the resulting animals cannot be considered true dire wolves. Scientists also question the limited number of genetic edits, as it cannot replicate the extensive evolutionary changes that occurred over thousands of years, making it insufficient to classify the engineered animals as true dire wolves. They regard the resulting animals not as true dire wolves, but simply as genetically modified gray wolves engineered to exhibit select ancient traits.
This has also raised concerns among conservationists, who warn that framing such developments as "de-extinction" risks trivializing the finality of species loss. They argue that portraying extinction as reversible, regardless of its cause, could undermine efforts to protect endangered species by promoting the misconception that biotechnology can simply restore lost biodiversity.
While Colossal Biosciences’ work represents a remarkable scientific achievement, it also highlights the complexities, challenges, and consequences of “de-extinction.” Experts emphasize that these genetically engineered animals are not true recreations of dire wolves, and caution against viewing biotechnology as a simple solution to extinction. The focus should remain on conserving existing species and protecting natural habitats to prevent further losses, rather than relying on uncertain attempts to bring extinct animals back to life.
Kluger, J. (2025, April 7). The return of the dire Wolf. TIME. https://time.com/7274542/colossal-dire-wolf/
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, April 14). Dire wolf | Size, Origins, De-Extinction, & Characteristics. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/animal/dire-wolf
Dire wolf “de-extinction” promotes false hope. (2025, April 16). The University of Sydney. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/04/16/dire-wolf--de-extinction--promotes-false-hope.html
Rosen, M. (2025, April 10). The story of dire wolves goes beyond de-extinction. Science News. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dire-wolves-colossal-de-extinction-got
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