Three genetically engineered wolf pups, created by biotech company Colossal Biosciences, now live in a secure U.S. location and resemble the extinct dire wolf. Using CRISPR technology, scientists modified gray wolf DNA to include 20 specific traits identified from ancient dire wolf fossils. The embryos were implanted into domestic dog surrogates, and the pups now weigh about 80 pounds, expected to grow to 140 pounds — similar in size to real dire wolves that went extinct over 10,000 years ago.
However, experts caution that these wolves only look like dire wolves and cannot replicate their behaviors or ecological role. Colossal’s efforts are part of broader de-extinction projects, including attempts to bring back woolly mammoths and dodos.
In addition, Colossal has successfully cloned four red wolves from blood samples of critically endangered wild wolves to help increase genetic diversity in conservation programs.
While the technology may benefit wildlife conservation, outside scientists note its limitations and ethical challenges, emphasizing that even genetically similar animals can’t fully restore lost ecosystems.
Source – CGTN
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