Neka Kayda: Colossal’s First Cloned Red Wolf Celebrates Her First Birthday

Colossal Biosciences is celebrating a landmark moment: the first birthday of Neka Kayda, the world’s first cloned red wolf. Born using innovative endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) technology, Neka represents hope for the critically endangered species—fewer than 20 red wolves remain in the wild. CEO Ben Lamm calls her survival “a symbol of conservation and innovation,” underscoring how Colossal’s de-extinction technologies are directly applied to modern biodiversity challenges.

Colossal has now cloned four red wolves, a breakthrough that could more than double the founder lines for the species and strengthen the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s recovery program. Alongside cloning, the company is pioneering genetic rescue tools to combat inbreeding and expand genetic diversity in small populations.

This milestone also highlights how Colossal’s conservation mission complements its headline-grabbing de-extinction work. Earlier this year, the company issued a major update on its dire wolf project, which captured global attention. While dire wolves inspire imaginations, Neka Kayda proves how Colossal’s science can deliver immediate, real-world impact for endangered species today.

Read full feature on Distractify