Dire Wolf Return: Science Resurrects a Prehistoric Predator!

[{"selector":"#anim-0d5ca928-38c3-4ea8-b635-844603761705 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-24.822497086956748%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1b777a39-8801-4aeb-b54e-9d6dfab420e8","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-dd1be033-397b-480f-b375-ce0940d5c63f","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(0.3333333333333333)","scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] A biotech breakthrough brings a prehistoric predator back to life.

[{"selector":"#anim-2513a41d-9695-4451-968b-e1eac0b5220d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(2.359218099915399%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Once feared and long extinct, the dire wolf roamed North America over 12,000 years ago — until now.

[{"selector":"#anim-2377f0b1-6c55-4852-b966-f89e5f815ce3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 25%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences just revived a species for the first time in history.

[{"selector":"#anim-b2fa69b1-fffd-4740-8bc9-7bc5dda2a5af [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(4.865002486389745%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Using ancient DNA, gene editing , and cloning, scientists re-created the dire wolf’s closest replica.

[{"selector":"#anim-8d2a51cf-5a25-4ae0-9ec5-5bddb49d87e0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] With CRISPR , 20 key gene edits were made in gray wolf DNA to bring back lost traits: Thicker fur. Stronger jaws. Wider heads.

[{"selector":"#anim-945205ae-34e9-42e7-a937-e27e1d250a41 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] 🎉 Two males born October 1, 2024. 🐺 One female born January 30, 2025. Meet the world’s first de-extincted animals .

[{"selector":"#anim-fb4a94ce-1064-4bb2-a61d-a549101dabb0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(5.158508721009955%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Raised on a 2,000-acre private site , the pups are monitored 24/7 under zoo-grade protection.

[{"selector":"#anim-76dcbe4e-c052-48e1-a936-2f2250ee3fe7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Colossal aims to bring back the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger next.

[{"selector":"#anim-d6c0ed1d-0b6f-4775-80d0-885ef33bab97 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(0%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] This is just the start. Will de-extinction help endangered species — or disrupt nature again? Learn more