First Dire Wolves in 10,000 Years Are Growing Up Before Our Eyes
Colossal Biosciences has achieved something once thought impossible: bringing dire wolves back to life. Two males, Romulus and Remus, were born from fertilized eggs implanted in surrogate dogs and they are now 16 months old, growing rapidly toward their adult size of around three years. These are not just any wolves—they are the first living members of a species that vanished from North America more than 10,000 years ago.
Watching them grow is both fascinating and a glimpse into the challenges of de-extinction. Romulus is broader and stockier, while Remus is taller and leaner. The pair recently celebrated their birthdays with a cake, a lighthearted moment for the Colossal team, but it’s a reminder that these animals are still very much wild. Despite forming bonds with caretakers who feed them, they retain all the instincts of apex predators. Paige McNickle, who oversees their care, warns that if they encountered her running through their enclosure, they would see her as prey.
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Their diet and development are being carefully monitored. Recently, the wolves had their first deer carcass, an essential step in their growth and adaptation to natural behaviors. They also hunt small rodents and rabbits that enter the 2,000-acre preserve, giving researchers insight into their natural predatory instincts and social dynamics. Colossal’s goal is not just to revive a species, but to understand its biology, behavior and ecological role.
A third pup, Khaleesi, joined the pack in January 2025. Named after the iconic "Game of Thrones" character, she has already been interacting with Romulus and Remus, providing an early look at pack dynamics and social structure in a species that has been extinct for millennia. Each step of their growth is a careful balance between nurturing them safely and allowing them to express their natural wolf behaviors.
This development raises profound questions about the future of de-extinction. How will these animals fit into modern ecosystems? What ethical considerations come with reviving species that have long disappeared? Colossal Biosciences is navigating uncharted territory, blending cutting-edge science with age-old wildlife management practices.
For viewers, this story is more than a scientific milestone—it’s a chance to witness history. Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi represent the line between past and present, showing us the power of genetics and the responsibility that comes with it. Keep watching closely as these first modern-day dire wolves continue to grow, adapt and redefine what is possible in the world of conservation and wildlife science. Stay informed, follow their journey and see how this new chapter in de-extinction unfolds.
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