Dallas, Texas – June 9, 2026
Colossal Biosciences continues to push the frontiers of genetic science with today’s surprise announcement of the healthy birth of Ragnar, the fourth dire wolf proxy in their pioneering de-extinction program. This rapid addition to the pack has scientists and the public buzzing about the accelerating pace of this ambitious project.
The story broke early today on X, led by Chief Animal Officer Matt James (@MattjamesCAO) and immediately quote-tweeted by Vice President of Artificial Womb Technology Trevor Snyder (@TrevorSnyderPhd). The posts featured the first photos of the energetic newborn and quickly went viral.
Team Announcements on X
Matt James (@MattjamesCAO ) posted:
“Big news from the Colossal canid team today — please welcome Ragnar, our fourth dire wolf proxy, born healthy this morning! He’s already showing that signature robust build and strong presence. The pack keeps growing. More photos and updates coming soon.”
Trevor Snyder (@TrevorSnyderPhd) quote-tweeted Matt’s post, adding:
“Thrilled to see another successful birth using our refined protocols. Ragnar joins Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi as we continue pushing the boundaries of reproductive tech and genome editing. Huge credit to the entire animal ops team! This is just the beginning.
@MattjamesCAO”
Building on Recent Success
Following the births of Romulus and Remus in October 2024 and Khaleesi in January 2025, Colossal has now welcomed its fourth engineered animal in under two years. The first three have shown remarkable growth, with the males nearing or exceeding 100 pounds and beginning to display the broader shoulders, powerful builds, and distinctive lighter coats inspired by ancient dire wolf traits.Ragnar was created using the same cutting-edge method: detailed sequencing of ancient dire wolf DNA from fossils, followed by roughly 20 precise CRISPR edits targeting 14–15 key genes in gray wolf cells. The pregnancies were carried by domestic dog surrogates. Although true genetic resurrection of Aenocyon dirus — a species that split from the gray wolf line millions of years ago — remains impossible, these animals function as close ecological proxies.
Growing Excitement and Implications
The news has reignited global conversations about de-extinction. Many are calling the speed of these births “unbelievable,” especially given that dire wolves vanished from the Americas more than 10,000 years ago after the last Ice Age. These powerful predators once dominated landscapes from Canada to South America with their massive skulls and bone-crushing jaws.
Colossal’s work is delivering more than just headline-grabbing animals. The technologies developed here are already being used to support conservation efforts for living species, including genetic rescue programs for the endangered red wolf.The company, co-founded by Ben Lamm and George Church in 2021, is running parallel projects on the woolly mammoth, thylacine, dodo, and others.
With Ragnar now part of the expanding pack, Colossal’s team reports the animals are forming natural social bonds and showing increasingly wild behaviors.Further scientific data, including detailed genetic analysis and growth tracking, will be shared in upcoming publications.
Founded in 2021 by Ben Lamm and George Church, Colossal Biosciences is a biotechnology leader focused on de-extinction, advanced genome editing, and conservation innovation. The company aims to restore biodiversity and create powerful new tools to protect endangered species and ecosystems.
