No Longer Extinct? Colossal Biosciences' Dire Wolf Project

TIME

This video has been trending in Canada, Papua New Guinea, and United States

Title: Colossal Biosciences’ Dire Wolf Project: A Controversial Leap in Deextinction Efforts

In a groundbreaking video released by Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based company, the world caught a glimpse of what seemed like a resurrection from the past - the dire wolf. Extinct for over 10,000 years, the dire wolf's howl echoed once again through this ambitious deextinction project.

The video showcased the first sighting of Colossal's direwolf pups, now 6 months old, marking a significant milestone in the realm of genetic engineering and conservation efforts. Through careful genomic analysis and strategic modifications, the company successfully brought back these majestic creatures that once roamed the Earth.

Ben of Colossal Biosciences explained that the goal of this deextinction project is not merely about reviving ancient species but creating value, impact, and inspiring conservation efforts. By re-engineering the core traits and characteristics of extinct species like the dire wolf, the project aims to fill ecological gaps and potentially restore balance in various ecosystems.

The process of engineering the direwolf involved extracting DNA from ancient fossils, comparing genetic sequences, and making precise tweaks to genes in common greywolf cells. These modifications resulted in the distinctive white coat, large size, and characteristic vocalizations of the direwolf, reminiscent of its prehistoric ancestors.

The birth of Romulus and Reheis, and their younger sister Khesi, marked a significant achievement in the project, with each wolf expected to grow as large as 6 feet long and 150 lbs. Although the dire wolves will not be reintroduced to the wild, they will reside in a protected 2,000-acre preserve, receiving top-notch veterinary care and ample space to thrive.

However, this bold attempt at deextinction has not been without its critics. Bioethicists have expressed concerns about the potential unintended consequences of genetic tinkering, warning of unforeseen medical problems and ecological disruptions that could arise from altering natural genetic codes.

Despite the ethical dilemmas surrounding deextinction, Colossal Biosciences is leveraging its learnings from the direwolf project to aid in the preservation of endangered species like the red wolf. By cloning four red wolves, the company aims to combat genetic bottlenecks and fortify endangered species populations, contributing to the conservation of Earth's genetic diversity.

As the world grapples with the looming threat of biodiversity loss, Colossal Biosciences sees its deextinction efforts as part of a larger mission to reverse the harmful impacts of human activities on the environment. By developing innovative conservation tools and techniques, the company strives to create a future that is both biodiverse and sustainable, where extinct species may yet find a place alongside their modern counterparts.

While the path to deextinction may be fraught with challenges and ethical considerations, Colossal Biosciences' Dire Wolf Project stands as a testament to humanity's quest to preserve and protect the natural world, paving the way for a future where the echoes of extinct species may once again resonate in the wild

Share Video

¿Do you like No Longer Extinct? Colossal Biosciences' Dire Wolf Project? Share it with your people...

Playlist