A wolf species that died out about 12,500 years ago has brought life to scientists at Dallas-based biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences. The company announced the successful creation of three terrifying wolf using ancient DNA, cloning and gene editing technologies.
The Terrible Wolf (Aenocyon Dirus) is a prehistoric predator, bigger than today’s gray wolf, once roamed North America and created iconic by its fictional opponent in HBO’s Game of Thrones. According to Colossal, the newborn pups resemble their extinct ancestors in size and characteristics, with a wider head, thicker white fur and stronger jaw bones.
To achieve this scientific milestone, the Giant’s researchers extracted ancient DNA from two fossils, a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull. They then assembled high-quality genomes and compared them with those of live dogs such as wolf, jack wolf and fox. This allows them to isolate and edit key genes associated with the terrifying wolf traits.
Using CRISPR technology, scientists performed 20 precise edits in 14 gray wolf cell genes. The edited cells are cloned and transferred to the donor egg and then implanted into the domestic dog agent. Results: Two male cubs were born on October 1, 2024, and one female was born on January 30, 2025.
Now the three wolves live in a safe and undisclosed 2,000-acre facility and are monitored with drones, cameras and a 10-foot-tall zoo fence. The website is certified by the American Humane Society and is registered with the USDA.
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Extinct species
Huge emphasis is that although these animals have a genome of 99.9% gray wolf, they carry and express terrible wolf traits – philosophical questions about how much genetic changes are needed for a species. According to a project suggested by evolutionary genomics expert Love Dalén, wolves represent resurrection or observable characteristics of the terrible wolf phenotype.
In addition to resurrected extinct species such as the terrifying wolf, wool mammoth, dodo and Tasmanian tiger, the giant giant is also applying its technology to support endangered animals. The company recently produced two cloned red wolf, one of the most endangered canines, using a softer, invasive cloning method developed during the Dire Wolf Project.
We are the gigantic biological sciences, an extinction company responsible for bringing back the first animals from extinction. Our terrifying wolf puppies Romulus and Remus were born on October 1, 2024. Watch these puppies grow up on our YouTube channel. Linked in the creature.
These two wolves are… pic.twitter.com/hbk1wfq3lf
– Huge Biosciences® (@Colossal) April 7, 2025
While some critics believe that de-extinction has shifted funds from more urgent conservation efforts, others acknowledge the enormous effort to prioritize animal welfare. Nevertheless, there are still problems with the ecological role these recreated animals will play.
Experts warn that even if a terrible wolf can survive in modern habitats, practical and political obstacles can prevent it from reintroducing into the wild.
