Genetically Modified Wolves Resemble Extinct Dire Wolves

In a groundbreaking development in the field of genetic engineering, three wolf pups that exhibit traits reminiscent of the long-extinct dire wolf have been successfully created. These pups, aged between three and six months, are currently residing in a secure location in the United States, as reported by Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to de-extinction efforts.

The genetically engineered wolves boast distinctive features, including long white fur and robust jaws, with an initial weight of approximately 80 pounds. Researchers anticipate that they will reach a weight of around 140 pounds when fully grown. The dire wolf, which vanished from North America over 10,000 years ago, was significantly larger than the gray wolf, its closest living relative.

Experts in the field have noted that while this achievement is remarkable, it does not signify the imminent revival of dire wolves in North America. According to Vincent Lynch, a biologist from the University at Buffalo, the current technology only allows for the superficial replication of certain physical characteristics, rather than a complete restoration of extinct species.

To create these engineered wolves, scientists at Colossal Biosciences analyzed ancient DNA extracted from dire wolf fossils. Among the samples studied was a 13,000-year-old tooth discovered in Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull fragment unearthed in Idaho, both of which are housed in natural history museum collections.

Utilizing CRISPR technology, researchers modified the genetic makeup of living gray wolf cells at 20 different points. The modified genetic material was then transferred into an egg cell from a domestic dog. Following this, embryos were implanted into domestic dog surrogates, leading to the birth of the engineered pups after a gestation period of 62 days.

Colossal Biosciences has previously embarked on similar projects aimed at genetically altering cells from living species to recreate animals resembling extinct creatures such as woolly mammoths and dodos. While the wolf pups may visually reflect young dire wolves, there are significant limitations to their development. As noted by Colossal's chief animal care expert, the pups will not have the opportunity to learn essential survival skills, such as hunting techniques, from wild dire wolf parents.

In addition to this project, Colossal has announced the successful cloning of four red wolves using blood samples collected from the critically endangered red wolf population in the southeastern United States. This initiative aims to introduce greater genetic diversity into the captive breeding programs for red wolves, contributing to the conservation of the species. Wildlife experts suggest that this technology may offer broader applications for the conservation of other species, as it is less invasive than traditional cloning methods. However, the process still requires sedation of wild wolves for blood collection, which presents its own challenges.

Recently, Colossal's CEO engaged with officials from the U.S. Interior Department regarding the project, receiving positive feedback from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who described the initiative as a "thrilling new era of scientific wonder." Nonetheless, experts caution that the ecological roles played by dire wolves prior to their extinction cannot be replicated in today's ecosystems. As Lynch emphasized, while the appearance of these engineered wolves may evoke the past, they will not be able to fulfill the ecological functions that dire wolves once did.