Giant, Flightless Bird Is Next Target for De-Extinction Company Colossal Biosciences
NEW ZEALAND, JUL 8 – Peter Jackson and Colossal Biosciences have partnered in a $15 million effort to genetically engineer birds resembling the extinct moa, a species lost 600 years ago.
- Last week, Colossal Biosciences announced a project to genetically engineer moa birds, once up to 3.6 meters tall, funded by Jackson and Walsh with a $15 million partnership.
- The project started two years ago after Jackson heard about de-extinction, with his private collection of around 400 moa bones sampled for DNA.
- Analysis shows genome sequencing for all nine moa species has begun, focusing on extracting DNA from well-preserved bones, including Jackson's collection of over 300 bones.
- In collaboration, the partnership with Ngāi Tahu involves significant investment in New Zealand biotech to safeguard the country's unique biological heritage.
- Lamm and Jackson project to complete moa de-extinction within five to ten years, aiming for success under a decade, as part of a historic Māori-led initiative.
99 Articles
99 Articles
Giant, flightless bird is next target for de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences
A species of huge, flightless bird that once inhabited New Zealand disappeared around 600 years ago, shortly after human settlers first arrived on the country’s two main islands. Now, a Texas-based biotech company says it has a plan to bring it back.
Peter Jackson Funds Plan to 'De-Extinct' Giant Bird
Filmmaker Peter Jackson owns one of the largest private collections of bones of an extinct New Zealand bird called the moa. His fascination with the flightless ostrich-like bird has led to an unusual partnership with a biotech company known for its grand and controversial plans to "de-extinct" lost species . On...


Colossal's plans to "de-extinct" the giant moa are still impossible
After a controversial project claiming to have resurrected the dire wolf, Colossal Biosciences has now announced plans to bring back nine species of the extinct moa bird
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium