A species of wolf that died out some 12,500 years ago lives again as the βworldβs first successfully de-extincted animal,β according to Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences.
Colossal scientists have created three dire wolf pups by using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology to alter the genes of a gray wolf, the prehistoric dire wolfβs closest living relative, the company announced Monday. The result is essentially a hybrid species similar in appearance to its extinct forerunner.
The dire wolf, Aenocyon dirus, which was the inspiration for the fearsome canine featured in the HBO TV series βGame of Thrones,β was a top predator that once roamed North America. (HBO shares parent company Warner Bros. Discovery with CNN.) Dire wolves were larger in size than gray wolves and βhad a slightly wider head, light thick fur and stronger jaw,β the company said.
Scientists have revived the dire wolf, a huge wolf species that's been extinct for 10,000 years pic.twitter.com/RGePjRjz6i
β Winter is Coming (@WiCnet) April 7, 2025
