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Colossal Biosciences is celebrating a groundbreaking milestone as the world’s first de-extinct animals, dire wolves Romulus and Remus, turn one year old. Born in October 2024, the wolves are living proof that long-extinct species can be brought back to life.
Once thought to exist only in fantasy, popularized by HBO’s Game of Thrones, dire wolves were real predators that vanished over 12,500 years ago. Earlier this year, Colossal stunned the world by successfully recreating these legendary wolves, proving that advanced genetic editing can restore extinct species.
The First De-Extinct Animals in History
Romulus and Remus were born on October 1, 2024, making them the first successfully de-extinct animals in history. Their existence was revealed to the public in April 2025, alongside their younger sister Khaleesi. Scientists achieved this feat by sequencing DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull, performing 20 precise genetic edits to ensure healthy offspring.
Life and Growth of the Dire Wolves
Now one year old, Romulus and Remus weigh over 120 pounds each, with Romulus expected to exceed 140 pounds. They consume more than five pounds of meat daily, including deer, cattle, and rabbit, supplemented with bones and occasional treats. Rare hunting of small rodents also takes place within their secure preserve.
The wolves reside on a 2,000+ acre ecological preserve certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the USDA. Their habitat includes natural dens, engagement zones, and on-site veterinary care, monitored 24/7 by staff, cameras, and drones. The preserve’s exact location remains secret to protect the animals from public intrusion.
Colossal plans to expand the dire wolf pack from three to six or eight individuals. Scientists aim to study pack dynamics and canid behavior as the wolves mature, providing unprecedented insights into extinct species’ lives.
First Birthday Celebration
To celebrate, Colossal organized a unique birthday event. Emmy Award-winning musicians Stan Bush and Lenny Macaluso composed a power rock track, Happy Birthday Dire Wolf, accompanied by never-before-seen footage from the wolves’ first year.
Additionally, Colossal partnered with San Francisco’s MISHKA luxury dog bakery to craft a three-tier wolf-friendly cake made of beef pâté, broth, and liver, designed to meet dietary needs while celebrating the milestone.
Significance of the Milestone
For Colossal scientists, the first birthday of Romulus and Remus validates years of research and technological innovation. Chief Animal Officer Matt James reflected, “We’ve witnessed their physical, emotional, and social growth—something no one has seen in 12,500 years. Remus is fearless and bold, while Romulus is inquisitive, cautious, and confident.”
Chief Science Officer Beth Shapiro added, “The dire wolves are thriving beyond expectations. Their size, strength, and striking white coats confirm the success of our genetic edits.”
Colossal CEO Ben Lamm emphasized the broader significance: “Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi represent hope in the fight against biodiversity loss. They are proof that we can restore what has been lost—a banner of possibility for science, conservation, and humanity.”
