Colossal Biosciences’ project to bring back dire wolves has reached a new milestone as the three pups born last year continue to grow healthily. These wolves, based on ancient DNA, are genetically enhanced grey wolves meant to resemble the extinct dire wolves.
The pups, named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, were born after scientists edited the genes of grey wolves using DNA from fossils dating back tens of thousands of years. Though not true dire wolves, they have traits similar to the originals.
Romulus and Remus have grown to weigh over 90 pounds each, about 20% larger than typical grey wolves at their age. Khaleesi, the youngest, is also bigger than normal for a pup her age.
Researchers are carefully observing how Khaleesi will fit into the pack before introducing her. Romulus and Remus have already established social roles, with Remus acting as the clever alpha and Romulus as the more submissive beta.
