Three names that will forever be remembered in the annals of science: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—the world’s first de-extinct animals, whose very existence rewrites the rules of what’s possible in conservation biology. These dire wolf pups, now thriving at Colossal Biosciences’ Texas preserve, represent far more than successful genetic engineering; they embody hope for the future of biodiversity on Earth.

The Boys Who Started It All

Romulus and Remus, the two male dire wolves born in October 2024, were the first to prove that de-extinction could move from theory to reality. Named after the legendary twin founders of Rome, these brothers have become the founding fathers of a new era in conservation science.

At six months old, the brothers already display the remarkable characteristics that made their Ice Age ancestors unique. Weighing approximately 80 pounds each—significantly more than typical wolf pups their age—they showcase the robust build that helped dire wolves dominate Pleistocene landscapes. Their thick, snowy-white coats gleam in the Texas sunshine, a testament to the precision genetic engineering that recreated traits lost 12,000 years ago.

But perhaps most striking is their behavior.