INSANE: 3 - The Real Truth

Have dire wolves been brought back from extinction? Not quite

Wolf conservationists say the truly dire matter is protecting America’s wild gray wolves — but that’s not as cute and cuddly for the headlines

The Independent UK · Apr 19, 2025

‘De-extinction’ of dire wolves promotes false hope: technology can’t undo extinction

Over the past week, the media have been inundated with news of the “de-extinction” of the dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) – a species that went extinct about 13,000 years ago.

The Conversation · Apr 15, 2025

If we must bring back extinct species, let’s focus on the giant herbivores

The American genetic engineering firm Colossal Biosciences recently announced to much fanfare it had “de-extincted” the dire wolf, a canine species that was wiped out around 10,000 years ago. However, the three animals it presented are actually modern grey wolves with some genetic modifications.

The Conversation · Apr 15, 2025

The truth behind the de-extinction of the dire wolf

ANALYSIS: It’s a resurrection story made for the headlines, but beneath the dramatic narrative lies a more nuanced story

The Independent UK · Apr 9, 2025

No, dire wolves extinct for 10,000 years are not back. But this is what de-extinction tech could do

Using CRISPR technology, a company called Colossal says it has de-extincted a wolf species last seen thousands of years ago. Or has it?

Euronews · Apr 8, 2025

‘Return’ of the dire wolf is an impressive feat of genetic engineering, not a reversal of extinction

Dallas-based biotech company Colossal has announced the birth of three pups bearing the DNA signatures of dire wolves, an iconic predator last seen roaming North America over 10,000 years ago.

The Conversation · Apr 8, 2025

Game of Thrones author George RR Martin broke down in tears meeting ‘de-extincted’ dire wolves

Scientists have revived a wolf species closely resembling that of the extinct dire wolf made famous by Martin’s ‘Game of Thrones’

The Independent UK · Apr 8, 2025

Dire Wolf Resurrected: Colossal's Breakthrough Sparks Debate As Musk Asks For Pet Mammoth

Elon Musk has joined the frenzy over the adorable dire wolves brought to life by a genetics and biosciences company, but their "de-extinction" has also raised concerns on whether it's a good thing or not to revive a long-extinct species.

International Business Times · Apr 8, 2025

Dire Wolves From ‘Game Of Thrones’ Resurrected From Extinction, Sparking Ethical Debate

Dire wolves, which vanished off the face of the Earth over 10,000 years ago, have been revived with the creation of three puppies, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

Bored Panda · Apr 8, 2025

Dire wolf has been brought back from extinction, say US scientists

Colossal Biosciences’ chief executive Ben Lamm called the development a ‘massive milestone’

Evening Standard · Apr 8, 2025