Scientists ‘Resurrect’ Extinct Dire Wolves: Meet Romulus, Remus, and Calissi

It was 13,000 years ago when dire wolves vanished. Known from the famous series “Game of Thrones,” these creatures have now been brought back to life by scientists at Colossal Biosciences. By extracting DNA from fossils, researchers modified the genes of gray wolves to recreate key traits of dire wolves. The experiment began in 2021, resulting in three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Calissi—who exhibit large bodies and thick, light-colored fur unusual for gray wolves. While housed in a private facility in the northern U.S., these hybrids represent a groundbreaking step in de-extinction science that could aid endangered species like the red wolf. However, experts caution that these animals differ significantly from ancient dire wolves due to environmental and behavioral factors.