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Jurassic Resurrection? Company Claims to Have Brought Back the Feared Dire Wolf, But Science Urges Calm

  • Writer: Dakila News
    Dakila News
  • 4 days ago
  • 4 min read

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In an announcement that resonated throughout the scientific community and pop culture, Colossal Biosciences, the same company behind the ambitious projects to de-extinct the woolly mammoth and the dodo, declared that it had given life to three dire wolf pups, an iconic species that inhabited the Earth until about 10,000 years ago. The news, released in early April 2025, quickly reignited the fascinating and complex debate about the possibility of bringing back extinct creatures. This topic has gained momentum recently with significant advances in biotechnology.

Dire wolf: the brothers Remus and Romulus, created by Colossal Biosciences (Colossal Biosciences/Reproduction).

Colossal’s bold claim joins a growing scientific movement seeking to “de-extinct” several species. Previous reports have highlighted scientists’ plans to bring back the dodo in Mauritius and the woolly mammoth in the Arctic steppes using gene editing and cloning techniques. G1 itself reported in October 2024 that researchers were optimistic about bringing back extinct species this decade, also exposing the criticisms and ethical challenges involved.


However, the “resurrection” of the dire wolf presents crucial nuances that deserve attention. Unlike a direct cloning process, Colossal used a gene-editing approach. Samples of ancient DNA, extracted from fossils of Canis dirus (the scientific name for the dire wolf), were compared and inserted into the genome of the gray wolf (Canis lupus), the closest living relative. As the company acknowledges, the result is that dire wolves are not genetically identical to their ancestors. They carry many of the dire wolf genome, giving them similar physical and behavioral characteristics, but they are essentially hybrids.


“We are talking about animals that carry the genetic ‘spirit’ of the dire wolf, but with a gray wolf genetic base,” explains Dr. Jean Gonçalves, a molecular biologist interviewed by G1 in one of the reports on de-extinction. “It is an impressive technological feat, but the public must understand that we are not bringing back the same animal that roamed North America during the Ice Age.”


The choice of the name “dire wolf” immediately conjures up images of the imposing and savage creature popularized in the series Game of Thrones, where the “dire wolves” were loyal companions of the Stark characters. This connection with pop culture certainly contributed to the fascination surrounding the species.


Despite the excitement generated by the news, the scientific community remains cautious and raises important ethical and practical questions. One of the main criticisms in the reports by G1 and CNN Brasil concerns the allocation of financial and scientific resources. Many argue that the vast amount of money and intellectual effort dedicated to de-extinction could be more effectively used to conserve species currently threatened with extinction.


"While we celebrate the potential return of an extinct species, we cannot forget the countless species that are on the brink of extinction today," ponders Dr. Ana Paula Silva, a wildlife conservation specialist, in an interview with CNN Brasil about de-extinction plans in general. "Are we prioritizing the spectacular over the urgent? The money invested in de-extinction could save entire ecosystems and ensure the survival of many species we still can protect."


Another crucial point of debate is the environmental impact of reintroducing extinct species. In a world drastically changed by human action, with fragmented habitats and imbalanced ecosystems, what role would these “resurrected” animals play? Would they be able to adapt? Would they not pose a threat to native species? Colossal Biosciences plans to reintroduce dire wolves to parts of North America, but in-depth studies of the potential ecological impact are essential.


The scientific validation of Colossal’s claim is still ongoing. Although the company has released images and information about the pups, the scientific community awaits the publication of peer-reviewed articles in specialized journals with methodological details and robust genetic evidence. Dr. Jean Gonçalves emphasizes this need in the reports, emphasizing that the company’s announcement, as promising as it may be, still lacks the seal of formal science.


Despite the reservations and ethical questions, the news of the “creation” of dire wolves represents an undeniable milestone in biotechnology. It demonstrates the growing power of genetic engineering and opens up new possibilities for understanding and manipulating the genetic material of extinct species. Colossal’s initiative and efforts to bring back the dodo and mammoth are fueling debate about our role in the history of life on Earth and our ability to reverse, even partially, the losses caused by extinction.


Sources:

Looking directly at Colossal Biosciences’ official website is crucial to understanding the company’s perspective on the project and its goals. (As a language model, I cannot access the internet to provide a specific link. I recommend searching for “Colossal Biosciences” in your search engine.)


The “resurrection” of the dire wolf is, therefore, an exciting scientific feat. However, it requires careful, multidisciplinary analysis, considering both the technology's innovative potential and the ethical and ecological implications of bringing back creatures from the distant past. While fascinating, science still awaits robust evidence to fully validate this bold claim.

 
 
 

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