Scientists in Dallas, Texas, have used gene editing to create animals with some DNA from the extinct dire wolf. The team at Colossal Biosciences changed grey wolf cells, then used dog egg cells and surrogates to produce three animals: two males born in October 2024 and a female born in January.
Colossal says these are the first animals with dire wolf traits, matching 15 out of 20 key DNA changes found in dire wolves. The company’s announcement has caused debate. Some scientists say these are not real dire wolves, just dogs with some dire wolf genes. Others worry the public might be misled about what de-extinction can do.
Colossal stands by its work and says it is open to criticism. The animals are kept in a secure area and will not be released into the wild. The company plans to continue its work on bringing back other extinct animals, like the woolly mammoth and dodo.
The scientific community remains divided on whether these animals should be considered true dire wolves or simply proxies. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has stated that the animals do not fulfill the ecological role of the extinct species and therefore do not meet the criteria for de-extinction. Colossal disagrees, arguing that their work advances conservation technology.
The debate has sometimes become heated, with accusations of personal attacks and attempts to discredit critics. Despite the controversy, Colossal continues to pursue its de-extinction projects, including plans to revive the moa, a giant flightless bird from New Zealand, and to create mammoth-like elephants by 2028.
While some scientists express concern about the company’s approach and its impact on public understanding, Colossal insists it is committed to scientific dialogue and adapting its methods as new data emerges.