Earlier this week, Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences unveiled dire wolf pups, a once-extinct species brought back to life by modern technology.

The dire wolf is no longer just a relic of the past or an element in the fictional world of Game of Thrones. Now, for the first time in thousands of years, humans can again see and hear the majestic animal with their own eyes and ears.

“You’re hearing the first howl of a dire wolf in over 10,000 years. Meet Romulus and Remus—the world’s first de-extinct animals, born on October 1, 2024,” read an April 7 post on X from Colossal.

The company says they used genetic edits sourced from a complete dire wolf genome to help produce the miracle. Colossal used ancient DNA stored in fossils that go back as far as 72,000 years.

“From the beginning, our goal has been clear: “To revolutionize history and be the first company to use CRISPR technology successfully in the de-extinction of previously lost species.” By achieving this, we continue to push forward our broader mission on—accepting humanity’s duty to restore Earth to a healthier state,” the post continued.

Three dire wolves were birthed as part of the groundbreaking initiative; two males named Romulus and Remus, an homage to Rome’s mythical founders who were raised by a wolf, and one female, Khaleesi, named after the character from the Game of Thrones. Compared to the modern gray wolf, dire wolves are larger and pack a stronger jaw.

The wolf pups live on a 2,000-acre ecological preserve encircled by 10-foot-tall zoo-grade fencing. The company has 10 full-time staff caring for the animals, who are continuously monitored via on-site live cameras, drone tracking, and security personnel.

“Many people view dire wolves as mythical creatures that only exist in a fantasy world, but in reality, they have a rich history of contributing to the American ecosystem,” Game of Thrones author and Colossal Investor and Cultural Advisor George R.R. Martin said in the company’s announcement.

“I get the luxury to write about magic, but Ben and Colossal have created magic by bringing these majestic beasts back to our world.”