From extinction to existence: The dire wolf first howls in 12,500 years!

Colossal Biosciences made headlines by successfully bringing back the dire wolf, an animal that roamed North America over 12,500 years ago. – Well, sort of!

The remarkable achievement marks the first time an extinct species was revived, with three adorable dire wolf puppies named Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi being born as a result.

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The company’s work not only showcases advancements in de-extinction technology but all ties broader conservation efforts.

How dire wolf was cloned

To create the dire wolves, Colossal performed 20 precise genetic edits on the gray wolf genome, incorporating 15 gene variants from ancient fire wolves. These ‘edits’ were aimed at restoring traits unique to dire wolves, such as their distinctive coat colour and larger body size.

The successful cloning process not only brought the dire wolves back to life but also demonstrated the potential of genetic technologies in conservation.

Colossal also established a secure 2,000 acre ecological preserve for the newly survived dire wolves. The preserve, certified by the American Humane Society, is designed to ensure the well-being of the wolves and includes specialised habitats and a veterinary clinic.

The team of ten animal care professionals is dedicated to providing lifetime care for the wolves while assessing their readiness for larger protected environments.

Critically endangered red wolves

The company has also cloned critically endangered red wolves, further linking their de-extinction efforts to global conservation initiatives.

The company’s innovative techniques have broader applications, as seen in their work with the red ‘ghost’ wolf, a unique canid found along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana states in the United States.

The project is aimed at understanding the genetic ancestry of these wild canines and how it affects their behaviour and physical traits.

The red wolf population has faced huge threats due to limited genetic diversity, stemming from a population bottleneck. Colossal’s research has unlocked additional genetic diversity that could be crucial for a genetic rescue programme for red wolves, where were found by only 14 people.

Scientific breakthrough or sea of ethical dilemmas?

Experts in the field welcomed the news with a cautious approach. While some view the company’s world as ‘transformative’ step in biodiversity in reviving the dire wolf and supporting the red wolf population, cloning long-extinct species presents a range of ethical, ecological and practical dilemma that warrant careful consideration.

Among the concerns raised is the potential impact on existing ecosystems. Reintroducing a species that has been absent for thousands of years could disrupt current food chains and habitats.

The dire wolf can be a top predator, and its return might affect the population of other species, including modern wolves and other predators.  

Cloning typically involves a limited gene pool, which can lead to a lack of genetic diversity. This is particularly concerning for species that have already faced extinction, as a narrow genetic base can make them more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes.

Ensuring that cloned populations can thrive and adapt in the wold is a huge challenge.

The welfare of cloned animals is another critical issue. Cloning processes can lead to health problems, and the long-term effects on the animals’ well-being are not fully understood. There are ethical questions about whether it is right to create animals that may suffer from health issues or have a reduced quality of life.

Resources allocated to cloning extinct species might divert attention and funding from conserving endangered species that are still at risk of extinction.

It is a strong argument to consider that efforts should focus on protecting existing biodiversity rather than resurrecting species that may not fit into modern ecosystems.

The idea of bringing back extinct species may also evoke mixed reactions from the public. While some may view it as a scientific miracle, others may see it as ‘playing’ creator or interfering with natural processes.

Such polarised divide can influence funding, policy decisions and the overall acceptance of such projects. 

The cloning of extinct species raises another ethical question: about ownership, intellectual property and regulatory frameworks. Who owns the rights to a cloned species? What regulations should govern their care and potential release into the wild? Who is responsible for the unintended consequences that will follow?

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The reintroduction of cloned species could lead to unforeseen iconological consequences. For instance, the behaviour and interactions of cloned animals with existing species may not align with historical data, especially for an animal that lived before recorded human history!