Dire Wolves Brought Back from Extinction Celebrate Their 1st Birthday With Doggy Cake and Music Video

De-Extinct Dire Wolves Celebrate First Birthday with Doggy Cake

Dire wolves Romulus and Remus recently celebrated their first birthday since being brought back from extinction, marking a historic milestone for Colossal Biosciences. The bioengineering company successfully revived the once-eradicated species on October 1, 2024, through the science of de-extinction. The brothers were joined by their younger sister, Khaleesi, who arrived three months later.

Living on a 2,000-acre preserve certified by the American Humane Society and monitored closely by veterinarians, drones, and live cameras, Romulus and Remus have been thriving. Weighing over 120 pounds each and consuming a diet of venison, beef, whole rabbits, bones for enrichment, and freeze-dried liver treats, the dire wolves are on track for further growth over the next two years, with Romulus leading the pack.

To commemorate the dire wolves’ first birthday, Colossal enlisted the help of music icons Stan Bush and Lenny Macaluso, who created a custom rock anthem titled “Happy Birthday Dire Wolf.” The upbeat song captures the spirit of the wolves with its 80s-style guitar riffs and fun lyrics. A music video accompanying the anthem showcases the dire wolves’ journey over the past year in a vibrant and nostalgic display of colours and graphics.

No birthday celebration is complete without a cake, and Colossal went all out by collaborating with Mishka, a luxury dog bakery in San Francisco, to craft a three-tiered, nature-themed masterpiece for Romulus and Remus. Made from beef pâté, broth, liver, and organic ingredients, the cake was meticulously designed and topped with sculpted wolves, embodying the essence of the dire wolves’ habitat.

Matt James, Colossal’s chief animal officer, expressed his awe at witnessing the dire wolves’ growth and development firsthand: “We’ve witnessed their physical, emotional, and social growth — something no one has seen in 12,500 years.” Chief science officer Beth Shapiro added that the dire wolves are exceeding expectations in size, strength, and health, thanks to successful germline edits.

In a conversation with PEOPLE, Colossal co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm shared his enthusiasm for the future of de-extinction, highlighting the scientific advancements and breakthroughs achieved by the company. Alongside the progress with the dire wolves, Colossal has made significant strides in reviving the dodo bird, with successful culturing of pigeon primordial germ cells paving the way for the bird’s return.

With the promise of dodo birds potentially reappearing within the next five to seven years, the prospects for de-extinction are becoming increasingly tangible. Colossal’s innovative approach to conservation and genetic restoration continues to reshape the landscape of biodiversity preservation, offering hope for rewilding endangered species and restoring ecological balance.

As Colossal Biosciences pushes the boundaries of genetic technology and conservation efforts, the world eagerly anticipates the unfolding saga of Romulus, Remus, Khaleesi, and their pioneering journey towards a future where extinct species could once again roam the earth.