Three genetically engineered dire wolves are now exploring their specially designed habitat at an undisclosed location in the United States, marking a historic milestone in the field of de-extinction. Named Romulus and Remus (males born October 2024) and Khaleesi (female born January 2025), these animals represent the first successful resurrection of a species that disappeared approximately 12,500 years ago.
The dire wolves, brought back by Colossal Biosciences, reside in a secure 2,000-acre preserve surrounded by 10-foot-tall “zoo-grade” fencing and monitored through multiple security systems, including drones and live camera feeds. This controlled environment allows scientists to observe their development while ensuring both the animals’ welfare and public safety.
“They’re habituated to people but not tame,” explains Matt James, Colossal’s chief animal officer. “The two older, male dire wolves are exploring more and more of their habitat every day but come back to base for feeding twice a day.” This natural behavior suggests the animals are adapting well to their environment while maintaining their wild instincts.
The naming choices reflect both classical mythology and popular culture references. Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome who were nursed by a wolf in mythology, symbolize the founding of a new era in de-extinction science. Khaleesi, meanwhile, acknowledges the role Game of Thrones played in reintroducing dire wolves to public consciousness.
These animals already display distinctive characteristics that differentiate them from modern gray wolves. Their white coats, broader skulls, more powerful jaws, and muscular builds match what scientists have long known about dire wolves from the fossil record. The animals are expected to reach around 140 pounds at maturity, significantly larger than the average gray wolf.
The science behind this achievement involved analyzing ancient DNA samples and identifying approximately 20 key genetic differences that account for the dire wolf’s distinctive traits. Colossal’s team then edited these specific genes in modern gray wolf cells before creating embryos that were implanted into surrogate mothers.
While the wolves currently live in isolation from the public, their existence has already captivated both the scientific community and popular imagination. For Colossal Biosciences, founded by entrepreneur Ben Lamm and geneticist George Church, the successful birth and development of these animals validates their ambitious mission to use de-extinction as a tool for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
As these pioneering animals continue to grow and develop, scientists will gain invaluable insights into both dire wolf biology and the potential for de-extinction technologies to address the accelerating biodiversity crisis facing our planet.