Hear Dire Wolves Howl: Colossal Labs' Bioacoustic Project

Colossal Labs to Release Dire Wolf Howls This Year

Colossal Labs founder Ben Lamm revealed plans to release recordings of dire wolf howls later this year. Speaking alongside actress Sophie Turner at SXSW London, Lamm discussed the company's de-extinction efforts and the bioacoustic project focused on the revived species.

From Myth to Reality

Turner, known for her role in "Game of Thrones," admitted she initially believed dire wolves were mythical creatures. Lamm shared a similar sentiment, stating he never imagined bringing such creatures to life when the show first aired. He detailed the process of reviving the species, extinct for over 10,000 years.

Dire Wolves: Howls and Behavior

The first two dire wolves, Romulus and Remus, are now six months old and began howling at just three weeks, responding to human singing and owl calls. Colossal Labs is using AI to monitor wolf behavior, analyzing emotional patterns and what Lamm calls "wolf linguistics." The unique pitch and inflection of the dire wolf howls will be mapped out and released to the public later this year.

A "Very Yellowstone" Preserve

The wolves reside on a 2,000-acre, top-secret preserve, complete with an animal hospital, caretakers, and security. They are developing socialization and predation skills crucial for survival in the wild. A new female dire wolf, Khalessi, will soon be introduced to Romulus and Remus.

Beyond Dire Wolves: Dodos and More

Colossal Labs has faced both fascination and skepticism for its de-extinction efforts, with some critics arguing the dire wolves are genetically modified gray wolves. However, the company continues to attract significant investment. Colossal Labs is also working on reviving the Tasmanian tiger and the dodo. Lamm hinted at a potential dodo update coming this summer. While the possibility of reviving dinosaurs was raised, Lamm indicated it's not a current focus due to its complexity.

Further information on Colossal Labs' dire wolf project can be found in this previous TechCrunch article: Does Colossal Biosciences' dire wolf creation justify its $10B valuation?

Details on the bioacoustic project are available here: Colossal Foundation Partners with Yellowstone Forever.

Learn more about Colossal Labs' Series C funding: Colossal Biosciences raises $200M.