Posted on 07/01/2025 11:03:22 AM PDT by Red Badger
The genetically modified “dire wolves” created by Colossal Biosciences have hit a major milestone: they’re now six months old, and their growth is nothing short of remarkable. These animals, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, are part of a groundbreaking project aimed at resurrecting features of an ancient species that roamed Earth thousands of years ago.
A Rapid Growth Surge
At just six months old, Romulus and Remus, the older siblings of the trio, now weigh over 40 kilograms (around 90 pounds), nearly 20% heavier than a typical gray wolf. These shaggy cubs are becoming the living embodiment of the extinct dire wolf, a species that disappeared from the planet about 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.
According to Matt James, Colossal’s Chief Animal Officer, the genetic changes introduced into the cubs are becoming clearly visible. “We can really tell that the dire wolf genes are kicking in,” he explains.
Khaleesi, the younger sister, is not far behind. Weighing in at around 15.9 kilograms (35 pounds), she is smaller than her older brothers, but still tracking about 10 to 15% larger than the average gray wolf. Her introduction into the pack is expected soon, once she reaches full maturity. The Colossal team is carefully monitoring her development as she continues to grow into her new role in the pack.
VIDEO AT LINK.............
Dire Wolf Update: The Pups Have Doubled in Size
While these wolves have captured the world’s attention, they are not true clones of the dire wolf. Critics have pointed out that the term “de-extinction” may be misleading. To truly bring back an extinct species, scientists would need to clone it, something that’s not currently possible due to the poor preservation of ancient DNA. Nic Rawlence, an associate professor of paleogenetics at the University of Otago, clarified this point, saying, “To truly de-extinct something, you would have to clone it. The problem is we can’t clone extinct animals because the DNA is not well enough preserved.”
Instead, these so-called dire wolves are genetically modified gray wolves, created by introducing 20 changes across 14 genes to replicate the physical traits of their extinct ancestors. This genetic engineering aims to bring back the features of the dire wolf, without creating an exact replica.
‘Dire Wolves’ Spark Massive Controversy
Colossal’s ambitious project has not been without controversy. While some decry the project as misleading, others see it as part of a broader effort to tackle extinction. The company has also worked on cloning other endangered species, such as the red wolf, which is critically endangered with only a handful of individuals left in the wild. By cloning red wolf pups, Colossal is helping to increase the genetic diversity of the population, which is crucial for the survival of the species.
Colossal is also working on a project to save the northern white rhino, a species that is now functionally extinct, with only two females remaining. Using preserved genetic material from the last male northern white rhino, Colossal aims to produce embryos through genetic research and eventually use a southern white rhino as a surrogate to bring the species back from the brink.
Although the concept of de-extinction and genetic modification raises ethical concerns, the hope is that these technological advances will help not just to revive ancient species but also to protect those that remain at risk of extinction today. Critics may question the methods, but Colossal’s work represents a bold attempt to use cutting-edge science to safeguard the future of biodiversity.
PinGGG!.....................
To introduce an animal like this in the wild will have catastrophic consequences; i.e., mass extinctions.
These wolves are monsters!
When I awoke, the dire wolf
600 pounds of sin
Was grinning at my window
All I said was, “Come on in”
“To introduce an animal like this in the wild will have catastrophic consequences; i.e., mass extinctions.”
So, when they existed there were mass extinctions??
Exactly. The only alternative is to keep these fabricated animals as captives the rest of their lives or euthanize them when they are no longer useful for research. To produce them and let them reproduce would benefit no one and harm many.
Can’t wait for the old blue-haired misanthropic hippie chick to try and sneak in to ‘coexist’ with these ‘noble kings of the forest’.
And of course some trailer-trash that wants to have them as pets.
Plea-ea-ease don’t murder me
Those differences are comparable to those between a chimpanzee and a human. It's like creating a chimp and calling it a Neanderthal.
There's the potential for a movie at least:
The Revenge of Remus.
Extinction of the company is first. The legal liability is infinite for damages caused to livestock, property and people.
That's what I thought too. A friend volunteers at an SPCA in the 'hood. 90% of the dogs they get are pit bulls. Seemingly the more wild and ferocious, the more popular they are - until they get loose or the owners get tired of having them. Their shelter is just another kind of welfare program for irresponsible people in the ghetto
wait until they get their hands on dire wolves.
I want one.
Maybe we need a few thousand along the borders.
If you like Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes, these would be great pets if you added a little modified Golden Retriever to the mix while creating the pup.
That has nothing to do with it. There have been so many invasive exotics introduced and post disturbance native plant habitat has been subjected to uninterrupted succession for so long that much of native plant dormant seed is slowly being exhausted while insect biodiversity that depends upon those plants is in bigger trouble yet. I have shown that the solution set, just to keep those plants alive and reproducing, is very careful management by PEOPLE (what I've done here). When we started our project, over 80% of native biodiversity was no longer reproducing.
Apex predators run amok make that kind of work impossible. I'm already taking my life in my hands regularly, just weeding such difficult terrain.
“Oh, yeah. Oooh, ahhh, that’s how it always starts. Then later there’s running and screaming.”
-”Dr Ian Malcolm” (Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic Park: The Lost World)
“That has nothing to do with it.”
You are overreacting and oversimplifying.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
