Colossal Biosciences has genetically engineered three wolf pups, resembling extinct dire wolves, in the U.S. The pups are three to six months old, weigh 80 pounds, and could reach 140 pounds at maturity. Dire wolves went extinct over 10,000 years ago and are much larger than gray wolves. The researchers used ancient DNA from fossils to learn about dire wolf traits before modifying gray wolf cells using CRISPR and transferring them into a domestic dog egg cell.
While the genetically engineered pups may physically resemble dire wolves, they won’t have the opportunity to learn survival skills from wild dire wolf parents. Colossal also cloned four red wolves to increase genetic diversity in the captive population, aiming to save the critically endangered species. This cloning technology could have broader applications for conservation efforts, though it still requires a wild wolf to be sedated for a blood draw.
The project has received praise from the U.S. Interior Department, with Secretary Doug Burgum calling it a “thrilling new era of scientific wonder.” However, outside scientists caution that restoring extinct species may have limitations, as these animals may not be able to perform their original ecological functions in today’s landscapes. While the genetically engineered wolves may resemble dire wolves, they may not possess the same survival instincts or hunting skills.
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