Bringing a super-sized canine back from extinction after 12,500 years might sound like the plot of a blockbuster movie filled with dramatic special effects, but it's now a reality. Three dire wolves, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, have been successfully reintroduced to the world and are residing in a secret location in the US.
“I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,” said CEO of Colossal Ben Lamm.
“Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies. It was once said, ‘any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’ Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation.”
However, the company's ambitions extend beyond creating viral sensations and owning exotic pets. Colossal Biosciences aims to apply its research to help preserve current species for future generations.
“The de-extinction of the dire wolf and an end-to-end system for de-extinction is transformative and heralds an entirely new era of human stewardship of life,” said Dr. Christopher Mason, a scientific advisor and member of the board of observers for Colossal.
“The same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help save a variety of other endangered animals as well. This is an extraordinary technological leap in genetic engineering efforts for both science and for conservation as well as preservation of life, and a wonderful example of the power of biotechnology to protect species, both extant and extinct.”
The dire wolves are currently thriving in a 2,000+ acre preserve, vetted by the American Humane Society and the USDA. They are cared for by a dedicated team, ensuring their well-being as they continue to captivate and inspire.
