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Complex magazine delivers an exclusive look at Colossal Biosciences’ revolutionary achievement: bringing back the dire wolf, a prehistoric predator extinct for 12,000 years. The feature reveals how the Dallas-based biotech startup successfully birthed three living dire wolves—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—using ancient DNA extracted from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old ear bone. Through multiplex CRISPR gene editing, Colossal scientists identified and recreated over 20 specific genetic traits across 14 loci that defined these powerful Ice Age predators, from their impressive size and muscular build to their distinctive white coats. The article highlights reactions from notable figures including Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin and actor Kit Harington, while emphasizing that this breakthrough extends far beyond pop culture fascination. Colossal’s development of non-invasive cloning methods is already being applied to save critically endangered species like the red wolf, with just 15 remaining in the wild. As CEO Ben Lamm explains, the company aims to bridge science, news, and pop culture while advancing their mission to make “extinction optional.” https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/brighid-tully/real-dire-wolves-colossal-biosciences-de-extinction