Revival of Extinct Dire Wolf Marks Scientific Breakthrough

Colossal Biosciences, a U.S.-based biotech company, has successfully revived the dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus), an

that vanished around 12,500 years ago. This milestone in was achieved through advanced , using DNA from the gray wolf, a close relative.

Three genetically engineered

—two males and one female—were born between October 2024 and January 2025. The recreated wolves exhibit notable traits of their extinct ancestors, such as larger frames, denser , and stronger .

These animals are currently

in a secure 2,000-acre habitat designed to study their development. The project is part of Colossal's broader ambition to revive other extinct species like the woolly mammoth and dodo by 2028, aiming to restore biodiversity and rebalance ecosystems.