Scientists are playing God once again, and although they may have recently achieved something admittedly cool, it’s all but doomed to backfire in the worst possible ways.

Biotech company Colossal Biosciences announced Monday that they have revived an extinct dire wolf species using “meticulously reconstructed” DNA from fossils that date back to 11,500 and 72,000 years. The company is calling the two wolves, aptly named Remus and Romulus in a nod to the myth of ancient Rome’s origins, the world’s first “de-extinct animals.” 

“This moment marks not only a milestone for us as a company but also a leap forward for science, conservation, and humanity. 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,'” the company wrote on X. “By achieving this, we continue to push forward our broader mission on—accepting humanity’s duty to restore Earth to a healthier state. But this isn’t just our moment—it’s one for science, our planet, and humankind.”