The Legendary Dire Wolves Return After 12,000 Years

Dire Wolves: Through genetic engineering, scientists have brought the dire wolf, a species that went extinct about 12,500 years ago, back to life. Romulus and Remus are the names of the two puppies that have captivated the scientific community. Even though they are only six months old, they already weigh more than 36 kg and are almost four feet tall. According to the reports, Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based business that was responsible for their resurrection, claimed to have produced the dire wolf pups through the use of gene editing, cloning, and ancient DNA. The HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ popularized the dire wolf.

The gray wolf, its closest living relative, provided the scientists with its DNA. Once roaming North America, the dire wolf was a top predator. They are bigger than gray wolves, and their jaws are tougher and their fur is a little thicker.

In response to the announcement, billionaire Elon Musk shared his wishlist. “Please make a miniature pet wooly mammoth,” Musk wrote on X, reposting his post.

Take A Look At The Tweet:

Please make a miniature pet wooly mammoth https://t.co/UxoIWmzq6h

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 7, 2025

The pups were bottle-fed by the Colossal team after being fed by a surrogate for a few days after delivery. According to the company, they are currently leading healthy lives as young dire wolves.

However, the pups’ behavior differs from that of other wolf species that are now in existence. According to Time, pups do not display the same level of excitement when they are among people. Romulus and Remus avoid close contact and turn away whenever someone comes near them. The puppies will react if they are approached too closely, even by a handler who has raised them from birth.

It is said that the behavior is typical of dire wolves, who desire solitude. One of the species that Colossal intends to bring back to life is this one. The Tasmanian tiger. Mammoth and dodo are others, albeit their other endeavors have not been entirely successful. The scientists, however, are optimistic.

On a 2,000-acre property surrounded by fencing 10 feet high, the dire wolves reside. Security guards, drones, and live video feeds keep an eye on them. A total of three pups were brought back to life: a girl born on January 30, 2025, and two boys born on October 1, 2024.