Dire wolves return thanks to science and pop culture

[WORLD] Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have successfully revived the dire wolf, an extinct predator from the Ice Age, in the world's first documented "de-extinction" project. Using ancient DNA extracted from a 13,000-year-old tooth found in Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull from Idaho, researchers cloned three dire wolf pups—named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—by inserting the DNA into donor egg cells and implanting them into a surrogate dog. These pups were born in January and now reside in a secure 2,000-acre preserve.​

The dire wolf, larger and more muscular than modern gray wolves, went extinct after their prey populations declined, potentially due to human hunters. The species gained modern pop culture fame through the HBO series "Game of Thrones." ​

This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in genetic engineering and conservation science. Colossal, a $10 billion private company co-founded by Ben Lamm and Harvard biologist George Church, aims to use similar methods to revive other extinct species, including the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, and dodo. ​

The success of the dire wolf project has sparked ethical debates, particularly around the welfare of surrogate animals and broader ecological risks. Bioethicist Dr. Evie Kendal has raised concerns about potential unforeseen consequences and emphasized the importance of considering whether such endeavors should be pursued, not just whether they can be. ​

Critics question the authenticity of the dire wolf revival, asserting that modified wolves rather than true dire wolves have been created. The study also clarified that dire wolves represent a distinct evolutionary lineage, not simply ancient gray wolves.

While the technological advancements hold promise for conservation, they also raise complex ecological and ethical questions about reviving long-extinct species. The project has ignited discussions about the potential consequences of reintroducing species that have been absent from ecosystems for millennia. ​

In related developments, Colossal Biosciences has announced plans to use similar de-extinction techniques to revive the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacine), potentially reintroducing it to the wild within a decade. A breakthrough in sequencing the thylacine genome has bolstered this effort, though it too has sparked ethical debates regarding the welfare of surrogate animals and broader ecological risks. ​

These de-extinction projects have also influenced popular media, inspiring documentaries and series that explore the possibilities and ethical considerations of reviving extinct species. For instance, the Netflix series "Life on Our Planet" utilizes advanced graphics technology to bring long-extinct creatures back to life, framing the story of the planet’s history via its five mass extinction events.

As de-extinction science progresses, it continues to captivate public imagination, prompting discussions about the boundaries of scientific innovation and the responsibilities that come with it.