At an undisclosed location in the United States, three dire wolves—extinct for approximately 12,500 years—now roam a carefully designed 2,000-acre preserve. These genetically engineered animals, created by Colossal Biosciences, represent the world’s first successful de-extinction of a once-lost species. Their daily existence combines scientific observation with natural behaviors, providing unprecedented insights into the biology of prehistoric predators.
The facility itself represents a significant investment in both security and scientific monitoring. Surrounded by 10-foot-tall “zoo-grade” fencing, the preserve includes multiple habitats designed to stimulate natural behaviors while allowing for comprehensive observation. According to Matt James, Colossal’s chief animal officer, the wolves are monitored through multiple security systems, including drones, live camera feeds, and on-site personnel.
“They’re habituated to people but not tame,” James explained in a recent statement. “The two older, male dire wolves are exploring more and more of their habitat every day, but come back to base for feeding twice a day.” This behavior pattern suggests the animals are successfully adapting to their environment while maintaining their intrinsic wild nature—a critical balance for animals that exist at the intersection of cutting-edge biotechnology and natural history.
The three wolves—Romulus and Remus (males born October 2024) and Khaleesi (female born January 2025)—display distinctive white coats that differentiate them from modern gray wolves. This coloration represents one of the most visible successes of Colossal’s genetic engineering approach, accurately recreating what paleontologists believe was the appearance of the prehistoric species that disappeared at the end of the last ice age.
Their daily routines include territorial exploration, scent marking, and socialization behaviors consistent with those of modern wolf species, though with subtle differences that may reflect their unique genetic heritage. Scientists observe their interactions through a network of carefully positioned cameras, cataloging behaviors that may provide insights into the social structures of dire wolves, which were previously only theoretical.
Feeding sessions occur twice daily, with specially designed diets that approximate the prehistoric prey animals dire wolves would have hunted. This regimen supports their rapid growth—at just six months old, the male dire wolves already weigh approximately 80 pounds and are expected to reach around 140 pounds at maturity, which is significantly larger than that of modern gray wolves. Their powerful jaws and muscular builds are evident, confirming the successful expression of the genetically engineered traits that Colossal’s scientists incorporated from ancient DNA samples.
While public access to the facility remains restricted, Colossal has shared limited footage showing the wolves moving through their habitat, demonstrating both their impressive physical presence and natural behaviors. Their vocalizations, particularly their distinctive howls, have been recorded and analyzed, offering another dimension of understanding about these resurrected predators.
The data gathered from observing these animals extends beyond their behaviors to potential ecological implications. According to Ben Lamm, Colossal’s CEO and co-founder, the dire wolf de-extinction represents more than a technological achievement—it offers insights that could inform future conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts.
For the scientists and caretakers who interact with these animals daily, the experience combines rigorous scientific observation with a sense of wonder at witnessing creatures that, until recently, existed only in the fossil record and popular imagination. As the dire wolves continue to develop and interact, their secure facility serves as both a living laboratory and a bridge between prehistoric ecosystems and modern conservation science.
