Colossal announces three gray-wolf-derived pups edited for dire wolf traits

Colossal Biosciences/Dire wolf

Colossal unveiled three dire wolf pups—Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi—made by editing 20 sites in 14 genes of gray wolf cells to match dire wolf DNA from 13,000- and 72,000-year-old specimens, then cloning the edited cells and implanting embryos in domestic dog surrogates. The males were born October 1, 2024, and the female January 30, 2025.

• Genetic edits: 20 changes in 14 genes to introduce dire wolf traits.
• DNA sources: 13,000-year-old tooth (Sheridan Pit, Ohio); 72,000-year-old ear bone (American Falls, Idaho).
• Romulus and Remus (males): born October 1, 2024; Khaleesi (female): born January 30, 2025.
• Expected adult weight ~150 pounds with distinctive phenotype: larger frame, more powerful shoulders, larger teeth.