Colossal Biosciences has genetically engineered three wolf pups that resemble extinct dire wolves, which went extinct over 10,000 years ago. The pups, ranging from three to six months old, have long white hair, muscular jaws, and are on track to reach 140 pounds at maturity. By using CRISPR technology, the researchers were able to genetically modify cells from living gray wolves to create animals resembling dire wolves. While the pups may physically resemble dire wolves, they will not have the opportunity to learn survival skills from wild parents.
Additionally, Colossal reported cloning four red wolves using blood drawn from wild wolves in an effort to bring more genetic diversity to the small population of captive red wolves. This technology may have broader conservation applications, as it is less invasive compared to other cloning techniques.
While the project has garnered interest from the U.S. Interior Department and has been hailed as a “thrilling new era of scientific wonder,” some scientists caution that there are limitations to restoring extinct species. The cloned animals may not be able to fulfill the ecological functions of their extinct counterparts in today’s landscapes. Despite this, Colossal’s efforts represent a step towards using genetic engineering to potentially save endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
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