Dire Wolf: Back from Extinction?

Presumably, scientists created three dire wolf pups by extracting DNA from preserved remains and cloning and editing the genes of a gray wolf. But scientists have pushed back on the outlandish claim, saying that these so-called dire wolves are simply gray wolves that have been genetically engineered with a few characteristics that they believe resemble dire wolf characteristics. Though this outcome has been overhyped, the scientific advancement might have positive ramifications for future conservation efforts to keep waning species thriving.

The idea of de-extinction raises questions about the role of humans in creation. It is not wrong for us to grieve the loss of creatures, but many today have the unbiblical ideology that nature is good, humans are bad, and at any cost, we should do everything to restore what we have lost. It’s true: God gave humans dominion over the earth and commanded us to care for creation (Genesis 1:28). But that means we should use technology carefully, considering how releasing “de-extincted” creatures, like dire wolves, might disturb—or ravage—current ecosystems.

Caught up in the excitement of scientific advancements, humans often do things because they can, without properly contemplating whether they should. Jurassic Park might be fiction, but there is some truth in the story—bringing animals back from extinction may not be the best care for the creatures, nature, or humans.

This article is from Answers magazine, July–September, 2025, p. 17.