The dire wolf, an ancient predator, might just be making a comeback, sort of. In a groundbreaking announcement, biotech company Colossal Biosciences revealed the birth of three wolf pups named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi. These pups carry genetic traits from the long-extinct dire wolf, thanks to a revolutionary genetic engineering project.
Dire Wolf, a Westeros Fantasy or Reality?
The hit HBO series Game of Thrones popularised dire wolves in recent years, portraying them as loyal and fierce companions to the Stark children. While the show’s dire wolves were based on artistic liberty, the real animals were even more formidable, larger, more robust, and genetically distinct from modern gray wolves.
The two newly born baby Dire Wolves, brought back from extinction by genetic engineering, seated on the Iron Throne. 🐺
George R.R. Martin serves as a Colossal Biosciences cultural advisor and investor, with Peter Jackson loaning his Iron Throne prop for the photoshoot. pic.twitter.com/Yax9WjCp7a
— westerosies (@westerosies) April 7, 2025
Colossal’s team used ancient DNA extracted from dire wolf fossils to identify the genetic traits that set them apart. Scientists then used gene-editing techniques to introduce these traits into the DNA of grey wolf cells. They implanted the embryos into domestic dogs, which gave birth to three healthy pups.
We’re Colossal Biosciences, the de-extinction company responsible for bringing back the first animals from extinction. Our dire wolf pups, Romulus and Remus, were born on October 1, 2024. Watch these pups grow up on our YouTube channel. Link in bio.
These two wolves were… pic.twitter.com/hbk1wFQ3lf
— Colossal Biosciences® (@colossal) April 7, 2025
While these animals are not exact clones of the extinct species, they exhibit many defining features of dire wolves. These pups have similar features like muscular build, broader skulls, and distinct fur patterns. Scientists stress that these pups represent a hybrid blend of past and present, offering a glimpse into what dire wolves may have once looked like.
More Extinct Species On The Way
The three pups are currently being observed in a secure ecological preserve to study their behaviour, health, and development. The scientists at Colossal have also claimed that they have collected DNA of woolly mice and thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger and are working on reviving them.