De-Extinct Dire Wolf Pups: Growth, Diet & Pack Dynamics

Growth and Development Milestones

• 📈 Romulus and Remus are over 6 months old, weighing more than 90 lbs, making them about 20% larger than a standard gray wolf at the same developmental stage.
• 🌱 Their significant size indicates the dire wolf genes are actively expressing, aligning with what was seen in ancient specimens.
• 🐾 Khaleesi, a female, is younger and smaller at 35 lbs but is still tracking 10-15% larger than gray wolves.

Health Monitoring

• 🩺 The pups are preparing for their first annual vet exam, which will include blood tests.
• 🔬 CT imaging will be used to gain advanced insights into their skeletal and musculature development.

Evolving Diet

• 🍖 Romulus and Remus are already on an adult-like diet, consisting of high-quality kibble and human-grade ground meat.
• 🥩 Their diet also includes chunk meat, organ meats, and bones like rib and knuckle bones.
• 🍽️ As they mature, their diet will expand to include whole prey items and carcasses to mimic natural wild feeding behaviors and develop instincts.

Pack Dynamics and Roles

• 🐺 The pack roles are currently fluid due to their young age, but Remus is emerging as the alpha, characterized by observation and strategic thinking.
• 🥈 Romulus has adopted a beta role, often leading from the front while Remus leads from the back, evident in their eating and exploration behaviors.
• 🔄 These dynamics may shift as they continue to grow and with the upcoming introduction of Khaleesi.

Future Introductions and Socialization

• 🤝 Khaleesi will join the pack once she is large enough to do so safely, ensuring a positive experience for all three.
• ✅ A “howdy process” will precede the full introduction, allowing them to see and smell each other without direct interaction to confirm social compatibility.
• 🚪 The ultimate goal is to open the doors and put them all out on the preserve together after careful, staged integration.