How scientists ‘brought wolf species back from extinction’ after 10,000 years
Distinctive traits of the dire wolf include light thick fur and muscular jaws, while they are also much larger than grey wolves (Colossal Biosciences via AP)
Colossal Biosciences says the dire wolf species has been brought back from extinction after 10,000 years.
Three dire wolf pups, two males (Romulus and Remus) and one female (Khaleesi), were born using cloning and gene-editing technology based on ancient DNA samples.
The process involved genetically modifying grey wolf blood cells and transferring the material into a dog egg cell, followed by gestation in surrogate mothers.
The company also cloned four red wolves to enhance genetic diversity in the endangered species' captive breeding program.
The dire wolves will reside in a secure, monitored ecological preserve certified by the American Humane Society.