The ancient dire wolf, which went extinct nearly 10,000 years ago, has now been "revived" by genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences. So, what should you know about it?
For your information, the company managed to recreate the ancient animal through DNA taken from a 13,000-year-old tooth fossil and a 72,000-year-old skull and 20 genetic edits to the modern wolf (gray wolf), its closest living species, so that the DNA resembles that of the Dire Wolf.
Through genetic engineering expertise, they managed to produce three ancient wolf cubs using CRISPR technology with white fur based on analysis that the original species likely had snow-white fur. All of the wolves now live in a sanctuary spanning over 2,000 acres at a secret location.
These wolf cubs are expected to grow to be larger than normal wolves. The 3 wolf cubs have been named Romulus & Remus (two males), after the legendary founder of Rome, and Khaleesi (female), a name taken from a character in the popular series Game of Thrones.
"Many people think of dire wolves as fantasy creatures, but they actually exist and once played an important role in the American ecosystem." — George RR Martin, author of Game of Thrones.
Colossal has previously announced plans to revive woolly mammoths, Tasmanian tigers, and dodo birds, making the dire wolf's success proof that their technology is effective. The company also intends to reintroduce giant wolves into conservation areas on the lands of North American Native communities.
Colossal has also cloned two packs of red wolves, one of the most endangered wolf species in the world, as part of their conservation mission. Previously, they also succeeded in producing mice that had mammoth characteristics, thick fur and were resistant to cold.
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