Scientists unveil genetically engineered wolves resembling extinct dire wolves, sparking intense debate about the ethics of creating designer species and whether this represents true de-extinction or simply technological showmanship.
Key Takeaways
- Colossal Biosciences has created “Romulus and Remus,” genetically modified gray wolves designed to resemble dire wolves extinct for 12,000 years.
- Critics argue these are “designer dogs” rather than true dire wolves, noting the 12 million genetic differences between gray wolves and dire wolves.
- Ethical concerns include potential ecological disruption if such animals were released, lack of suitable habitats, and diversion of resources from existing conservation efforts.
- The company defends its work as advancing genetic technologies that could help conserve currently endangered species and enhance biodiversity.
- Over 41,000 species are currently threatened with extinction, raising questions about priorities in conservation science.
The Reality Behind “De-Extinction” Claims
Colossal Biosciences recently unveiled what they call the “world’s first successfully de-extincted animal” – two genetically engineered wolf pups named Romulus and Remus. These animals were created by editing 20 genes in gray wolves to include traits from dire wolves, predators that went extinct approximately 12,000 years ago. The announcement has created a storm of controversy among scientists who question whether these animals truly represent “de-extinction” or are simply modified modern wolves.
The scientific community has been quick to point out the vast genetic differences between the modified animals and actual dire wolves. Paleontologists and evolutionary biologists emphasize that the genetic engineering involved represents only a tiny fraction of the total genetic makeup that would define a true dire wolf species.
U.S.-based biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences claimed to have recreated the appearance of the extinct #DireWolf , which vanished over 10,000 years ago. The male dire wolf pups, Romulus and Remus, are six months old, and the female, Khaleesi, is three months old. pic.twitter.com/Teg9gcSXwZ
— Panda Paws (@Panda_Paws_) April 9, 2025
Scientific Objections and Ethical Concerns
Many scientists have criticized Colossal’s claims as misleading. Stuart Pimm, a conservation biologist, dismissed the genetically modified wolves as merely “a big dog with a few genes inserted from a once extinct wolf.” Critics claim that the genetic reality undermines the company’s marketing narrative – while Colossal claims gray wolves and dire wolves are 99.5% genetically identical, this still represents over 12 million individual genetic differences.
“The grey wolf genome is 2,447,000,000 individual bases (DNA letters) long. Colossal has said that the grey wolf and dire wolf genomes are 99.5% identical, but that is still 12,235,000 individual differences,” said paleontologist Nic Rawlence.
Bioethicists raise more fundamental questions about the morality of creating new animals through genetic engineering. These include concerns about animal welfare, the lack of appropriate social structures for engineered wolves, and the absence of natural habitats where such animals could potentially live. With no other dire wolves to raise them, these animals face unique challenges that transcend scientific achievement.
Conservation Priorities and Resource Allocation
A central criticism of de-extinction efforts focuses on resource allocation. With over 41,000 species currently threatened with extinction according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, many conservationists argue that the financial and scientific resources directed toward reviving extinct species would be better spent protecting endangered animals that still exist today.
“This is about animal engineering; it’s not about resuscitating ancient species. The conversation is not, ‘Do we bring old species back?’ The conversation is, ‘We’re creating new kinds of creatures. We are modifying creatures in new ways. Should we be doing it?’ There’s a lot of science here that’s potentially very interesting, but given how [Colossal has] spun it, we’re not having that conversation,” said evolutionary biologist Neil Shubin.
Colossal defends its work by pointing to additional conservation applications of their genetic technology. The company has also cloned critically endangered red wolves, which could potentially aid in the preservation of that species. CEO Ben Lamm emphasizes that their goal is enhancing biodiversity rather than simply creating novelty animals.
The Future of De-Extinction Technology
Despite controversies, Colossal continues ambitious plans for other de-extinction projects including the woolly mammoth and thylacine (Tasmanian tiger). The company maintains that these genetically engineered wolves will remain in controlled environments with no immediate plans to introduce them into wild ecosystems, addressing one major ecological concern.
The controversy highlights fundamental questions about mankind’s relationship with nature and our role in both causing and potentially reversing extinction. While supporters like Interior Secretary Doug Burgum celebrate the innovation as offering hope to restore lost species, critics warn that such technology could create a moral hazard – potentially making extinction seem less permanent and serious than it truly is, undermining current conservation efforts for species on the brink.
