The Dire Wolf has made a remarkable comeback after an astonishing 10,000-year absence due to extinction, marking a significant milestone in scientific history that echoes the fantasy world of Game of Thrones. The innovative firm Colossal Biosciences, recognized for its pioneering work with the woolly mouse, has successfully birthed three dire wolves through revolutionary gene editing and genome reconstruction techniques. The first two pups, affectionately named Romulus and Remus after Rome’s legendary founders, arrived on October 1, 2024, followed by Khaleesi on January 30, all thanks to a surrogate hound mix.
Ben Lamm, the co-founder and CEO of Colossal, shares his exhilaration over this achievement. Not only does he feel a profound connection with these remarkable creatures, but he also emphasizes the collaborative spirit behind Colossal, which involves geneticists, conservationists, and renowned personalities from popular culture, such as director Peter Jackson and A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin. Following his visit to see the wolves, Martin aptly remarked, “I write about magic, but you have created magic,” encapsulating the enchantment surrounding this historic scientific venture.
In an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Lamm elaborated on the extensive process of reviving the dire wolf and insightfully reflected on Colossal’s broader mission of preventing future extinctions. While these dire wolves are currently enjoying the limelight, Lamm also highlighted the cloning of the first red wolf, an equally urgent initiative aimed at rescuing this critically endangered species from near extinction.
Selection of the Dire Wolf for Resurrection
Acknowledging the Role of Indigenous Groups
Colossal’s milestone achievement of successfully de-extincting the dire wolf is underscored by its commitment to reviving other extinct species. Alongside the dire wolf, Colossal is actively pursuing the resurrection of the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), the dodo, and the woolly mammoth. Although reviving the dire wolf may have posed fewer challenges than the other candidates, Lamm cites valuable discussions with indigenous communities as a driving force behind this initiative.
“Our conversations with indigenous groups revealed their deep-rooted beliefs about wolf conservation,” Lamm said. He noted that one tribal chairman expressed sorrow that the first species Colossal resurrected was not an American animal. This inspired Lamm as he recognized that the dire wolf, uniquely tethered to North American history, deserved a second chance. “Most dire wolves were exclusively found in North America, with an impressive 99% presence in the United States,” he added.
Identifying a Dire Wolf
Unforeseen Traits of the Dire Wolf
In a detailed discussion with Lamm, striking contrasts emerged when he compared the five-month-old Romulus and Remus to their contemporaries. “Typically, wolves weigh 75 to 100 pounds, but Romulus and Remus exceed 80 pounds at just five months old,” Lamm explained. This increase in size aligns with known characteristics of dire wolves, which are estimated to be 20 to 25 percent larger than their contemporary relatives, possessing robust jaws and strong legs.
Due to working with DNA from extinct species—utilizing ancient specimens such as a 13,000-year-old tooth from Ohio—Colossal encountered unexpected results. “We anticipated their coloration to be white, but we were unsure of their overall appearance,” Lamm elaborated. Additional features included a distinctive ridge line mane, which also took the team by surprise. Other physical traits include their striking golden-yellow eyes, potent muscular build, and a posture that resembles a ‘linebacker’ in the wolf realm, showcasing their unique status.
Current Habitat of the Dire Wolves
Abundant Space and Care for the Wolves
Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi currently inhabit a six-acre section of a larger 2,000-acre ecological reserve, secured by nine-foot-tall fencing. Colossal is meticulous about maintaining privacy for their projects, with Lamm stating, “No tourists are allowed on-site,” in light of several uninvited visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the animals. They prioritize the wolves’ welfare in every aspect, including their playtime, socialization, and health care, provided by a dedicated veterinary team.
Describing the daily care routine, Lamm shared, “We ensure a balanced regimen, which includes social interactions and scheduled activities that align with natural wolf behavior.” This structured approach has yielded positive results, as the dire wolves exhibit expected wolf-like tendencies.
Future Prospects for the Dire Wolf
Where Will Their Home Be?
Despite the excitement surrounding the re-emergence of the dire wolves, Lamm emphasized a gradual approach to their rewilding. “This process involves a phased approach, transitioning from managed care to wider natural habitats,” he explained, while clarifying that these creatures are not slated for immediate release into states like Montana or Colorado.
While the immediate future includes the potential for breeding additional dire wolves, Lamm expressed hope for integrating them back into suitable native lands, particularly for indigenous communities. “We aim to collaborate with these groups to reintegrate the wolves into their traditional territories,” he stated, highlighting the cultural significance of this endeavor.
Any relocation efforts will involve state and federal partnership, with Lamm maintaining productive dialogues with key governmental figures, including the current Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Ultimately, Lamm’s vision encompasses establishing a rewilded ecosystem that replicates a Pleistocene environment, including a healthy balance of predator-prey dynamics bolstered by dire wolves.
Colossal’s Dire Wolves: A Refined Version
Advancements Through Genetic Modification
The emergence of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi signals the return of dire wolves after thousands of years. Colossal’s extensive research revealed that while there was a vast array of data related to dire wolves, previous studies were limited in scope. Lamm noted they had significantly expanded on this data set. “With approximately 500 times more information than six years ago, we confidently identified key genetic aspects, such as their characteristic white fur,” he shared.
Lamm also noted the crucial insights gained regarding the genetic risks associated with the white coloring in dire wolves. Certain genes related to this trait posed a risk for blindness and deafness. To mitigate these dangers, Colossal engineered alternative gene mutations to achieve the desired appearance while safeguarding the wolves’ well-being. “Animal welfare is paramount in our decision-making processes,” Lamm remarked, underscoring the ethical considerations fundamental to their work.
Dire Wolves in the Spotlight, Red Wolves in Need
Conservation Efforts for Endangered Red Wolves
The vision of establishing a Pleistocene-like biome, where dire wolves can thrive in their natural habitat, poses challenges in an era where ecological support is dwindling. Nevertheless, Colossal remains committed to matching every de-extinction project with conservation efforts. Lamm highlighted their active work with red wolves, the world’s most endangered canids, which number only about 15 remaining in the wild.
Colossal has successfully cloned the first red wolf, named Hope, along with her three brothers, contributing a significant 25% increase to the red wolf genetic pool. Discussions are ongoing with the Department of the Interior and state officials in North Carolina as they strategize the best pathway for reintroducing these critically endangered wolves into their natural habitat.
George R.R. Martin’s Reaction
An Emotional Connection with the Return of the Dire Wolf
The captivating news surrounding the dire wolves has resonated deeply with Colossal’s celebrity supporters. After witnessing footage of the pups, Peter Jackson remarked, “This is the first dire wolf howl in 10,000 years,” and encouraged Lamm to connect with George R.R. Martin, a pivotal figure in popularizing dire wolves through his literary work.
Initially caught off guard, Lamm reached out to Martin, sharing a virtual screen as he presented the dire wolves’ rebirth. The emotional response was immediate: “He took off his glasses, held his head, and started crying,” recounted Lamm as he remembered Martin’s heartfelt connection to the moment, exclaiming, “This is magic.” Since this moving encounter, Martin has developed a friendship with Lamm and now serves as an investor in Colossal.
However, fans await the long-anticipated release of The Winds of Winter, leaving some to question whether interactions with Colossal’s dire wolves are taking time away from his writing. Lamm admits to having concerns about public perceptions, humorously voicing worries about whether Martin’s involvement with the project could distract him from finishing his novel.
The Broader Significance Beyond Entertainment
Highlighting the Critical Role of Pop Culture in Conservation
While some might view the fantasy connections as a mere gimmick, it is crucial to recognize that the de-extinction mission extends far beyond the realm of popular culture. Colossal’s capacity to engage and inspire through captivating narratives plays a significant role in conservation efforts. Lamm showcased illustrations by children featuring extinct species, reaffirming that their work sparks enthusiasm among young audiences, inciting a passion for science and conservation.
Colossal’s overarching vision is to inspire a new generation of ecologists and conservationists. “Continuing on our current trajectory isn’t a sustainable approach; protecting land alone won’t suffice given the accelerating threats to our planet,” Lamm asserted. He passionately elaborated, “If we can capture the imagination of young minds through stories of resurrection, perhaps they may become the scientists of tomorrow.” Lamm culminated this reflection with an illustration of a woolly mammoth, illustrating the potential these future leaders hold—the question remains, what challenges will they help tackle?
Current Status of Colossal’s Other De-Extinction Initiatives
Advances in Genetic Editing Techniques
With the successful return of the dire wolves and the recent acquisition of a woolly mouse, Colossal’s ambitions to resurrect other extinct species appear increasingly attainable. “Our recent successes demonstrate our growing efficiencies in genetic editing,” Lamm asserted.
Updates on their ongoing de-extinction efforts reveal that substantial progress has been made: “We are currently modifying about 25 genes out of the 85 targeted for the mammoth project, and this number has certainly increased,” Lamm detailed.
Regarding the thylacine, he mentioned, “We’re working on almost 300 edits, but we have yet to implement those into a dunnart cell.” For clarity, the dunnart is a small marsupial and the closest living relative to the thylacine. The challenge lies with somatic cell nuclear transfer, which they hope to resolve this year, enabling testing and evaluation.
The announcement of Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi just a month after introducing the woolly mice has elevated Colossal’s prominence in conservation discussions. When questioned about future revelations, Lamm chuckled, anticipating that May would not yield comparable breakthroughs. Nevertheless, the promise of preserving species remains bright, as demonstrated by these new stars of Colossal and the ongoing efforts to save endangered counterparts like the red wolf.
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To learn more about Colossal’s ambitious dire wolf de-extinction project, visit colossal.com.