The Dire Wolf Has Been Brought Back To Life — Here Are 3 Other Extinct ‘Giants’ This Biologist Would Love To See In The Flesh

Forbes - Apr 9th, 2025
Open on Forbes

A groundbreaking achievement by Colossal, a Texas-based bioscience firm, has led to the genetic recreation of the long-extinct dire wolf, a species that disappeared around 10,000 years ago. Through precise gene editing of gray wolf DNA, the company introduced the world to three pups—Khaleesi, Romulus, and Remus—heralding a new era in de-extinction science. The firm now aims to apply similar techniques to revive other extinct species like the woolly mammoth, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger, sparking both excitement and debate within the scientific community.

This development underscores significant advancements in genetic engineering and raises questions about the ethical and ecological implications of reviving extinct species. While some scientists argue that true resurrection can only be achieved through cloning, Colossal's work highlights the potential for gene editing to bridge the gap. The broader implications of this technology could influence conservation strategies, potentially offering new tools to combat biodiversity loss. As Colossal sets its sights on more ambitious projects, the balance between scientific curiosity and ecological responsibility becomes a critical aspect of the discourse on de-extinction.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a fascinating story about Colossal Biosciences' achievements in genetic engineering and the potential for de-extinction. It successfully captures public interest and engages readers with its intriguing subject matter. However, the story could benefit from greater accuracy and balance by providing more detailed explanations of the scientific processes involved and exploring the ethical and ecological implications in depth. The lack of transparency and source attribution detracts from the article's credibility, while the inclusion of unrelated extinct species could confuse readers about the main focus. Despite these weaknesses, the article's timeliness and relevance to ongoing scientific and ethical debates make it a compelling read with the potential to influence public opinion and spark meaningful discussions.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents a significant claim about Colossal Biosciences' achievement in creating dire wolf pups through genetic editing. This claim is largely accurate, supported by multiple sources indicating that the company has used CRISPR technology to edit gray wolf genomes to approximate those of the extinct dire wolf. However, the claim that these are 'truly' dire wolves is more contentious, as some in the scientific community argue that cloning, rather than gene editing, is required for true de-extinction. The article does mention this debate, which suggests an awareness of the complexity of the claim. Additionally, the story's mention of future projects, such as resurrecting the woolly mammoth and other extinct species, aligns with Colossal's stated goals, though these plans require further scrutiny and peer-reviewed validation. The article's factual basis is generally sound, but the nuances of scientific consensus and the lack of peer-reviewed publication on these breakthroughs slightly detract from its factual precision.

6
Balance

The story primarily focuses on the achievements of Colossal Biosciences and the potential for de-extinction, which could suggest a bias towards the company's narrative. While it briefly acknowledges the scientific debate surrounding the definition of de-extinction, it does not delve deeply into opposing viewpoints or the ethical considerations of such scientific endeavors. The article could be more balanced by including perspectives from critics or experts who might question the ecological and ethical implications of reintroducing extinct species. As it stands, the story leans towards an optimistic portrayal of de-extinction without fully exploring potential downsides or controversies.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and engaging, with a logical flow that guides readers through the narrative of Colossal Biosciences' scientific achievements. The language is accessible, making complex scientific concepts like genetic editing understandable to a general audience. However, the article could benefit from clearer explanations of the scientific terms and processes involved, such as CRISPR technology and the genetic similarities between gray wolves and dire wolves. Additionally, the inclusion of unrelated extinct species, like Titanoboa and Megalodon, while interesting, could confuse readers about the main focus of the article.

5
Source quality

The article does not clearly attribute its information to specific sources, which makes it difficult to assess the credibility and reliability of the claims. While it appears to be based on announcements from Colossal Biosciences, the lack of explicit citations or references to scientific studies or expert interviews weakens the source quality. The reliance on company statements without independent verification or peer-reviewed evidence limits the article's authority and could introduce potential conflicts of interest, as the company's narrative may not be entirely impartial.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing its sources and the methodology behind the claims. While it presents an intriguing story about genetic engineering and de-extinction, it does not explain the scientific processes or potential conflicts of interest in detail. The absence of information about how the claims were verified or the potential biases of the sources used makes it challenging for readers to fully understand the basis of the article's assertions. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the story's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://abcnews.go.com/US/dire-wolf-revived-biotech-companys-de-extinction-process/story?id=120558562
  2. https://time.com/7274542/colossal-dire-wolf/
  3. https://www.businessinsider.com/dire-wolf-brought-back-extinction-colossal-biosciences-2025-4
  4. https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/08/does-colossal-biosciences-dire-wolf-creation-justify-its-10b-valuation/
  5. https://colossal.com/direwolf/