Imagine a world where extinct animals roam again. That dream took a big step forward on April 7, 2025, when Colossal Biosciences announced they’d done something incredible: they brought back the dire wolves. The massive, fierce creature that vanished over 12,000 years ago and inspired the loyal companions of House Stark in Game of Thrones is back, sort of. Three pups named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi are the stars of this story, and their birth is being called the world’s first de-extinction success.
How Did They Do It?
It’s not magic, but cutting-edge science. Colossal’s team started with DNA from dire wolf fossils—like a tooth from 13,000 years ago and a skull fragment from 72,000 years back. They compared that ancient DNA to the grey wolf, a close cousin still alive today. Using CRISPR, a tool that acts like genetic scissors, they tweaked the grey wolf’s DNA to match the dire wolf’s. They made 20 changes across 14 genes, adding traits like bigger jaws, stronger muscles, and white fur. Then, they put this edited DNA into surrogate dogs, who gave birth to the pups. Romulus and Remus arrived on October 1, 2024, and Khaleesi followed on January 30, 2025.
A Modern Twist on an Ancient Animal
These aren’t pure dire wolves from the Ice Age. They’re hybrids—mostly grey wolf with a sprinkle of dire wolf DNA. Think of them as a modern remix of an old classic. Still, they’re unique. Now living in a 2,000-acre preserve, the pups are growing fast. Colossal shares their progress through a “dire wolf development tracker” on their website, letting people watch these little legends become the powerful animals they’re destined to be.
More Than Just Cool Wolves
This project isn’t just about dire wolves. Colossal sees it as a practice run for bigger goals—like reviving woolly mammoths. They’re also helping endangered species. Part of the effort included cloning red wolves, which are struggling to survive, to boost their genetic diversity. It’s about using old DNA to solve new problems, blending the past and the future.
Not Everyone’s On Board
Not everyone’s cheering. Some scientists say this isn’t true de-extinction, just a clever copy. They wonder if these wolves will behave like their ancient ancestors or just look similar. Others worry about messing with nature—could this lead to trouble later? Colossal pushes back, highlighting their American Humane Certification to show they’re treating the animals well.
A Nod to Game of Thrones
Meet Romulus and Remus—the first animals ever resurrected from extinction. The dire wolf, lost to history over 10,000 years ago, has returned. Reborn on October 1, 2024, these remarkable pups were brought back to life using ancient DNA extracted from fossilized remains.
Watch… pic.twitter.com/XwPz0DFoP5
— Colossal Biosciences® (@colossal) April 7, 2025
For Game of Thrones fans, there’s a fun twist. Naming one pup Khaleesi, after Daenerys, ties into the show’s dire wolf legacy. Romulus and Remus, named after Rome’s mythical founders, add another layer of storytelling. It’s science meeting pop culture, and it’s got people buzzing.
What’s Next for the Dire Wolves?
The pups are still young, but they’re already a symbol of possibility. Colossal wants to keep improving, maybe making future wolves even closer to the originals. For now, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi are proof that extinction might not be forever. Whether you see it as a breakthrough or a bold experiment, the dire wolf is back in the spotlight, and the world is watching.
