In the United States, fierce wolves were born for the first time in 10,000 years—an extinct species of predators from the Pleistocene. Colossal Biosciences has brought them back to life by editing 14 genes of the gray wolf to recreate traits of the ancient animal: white fur, a powerful build, and unique behavior. The wolf pups Romulus, Rem, and Halsey were born in 2024–2025, were hand-reared, and live under observation in a protected sanctuary.
The achievement is part of Colossal’s broader mission. Among the company’s future “returners” are mammoths, dromedaries and Tasmanian tigers. Heat-tolerant “woolly mice” with mammoth genes have already been created. The company’s goal is not only to revive extinct species, but also to help those on the brink of extinction, such as red wolves and quolls.
Despite ethical concerns and technical challenges, the Colossal project shows that genetic technologies can become a key tool for conserving biodiversity.
Source: Time
URL: https://time.com/7274542/colossal-dire-wolf/
