Overview

• Colossal Biosciences has partnered with the Ngai Tahu Research Centre to lead early-stage efforts in resurrecting the extinct giant moa of New Zealand.
• Scientists have sampled more than 60 fossilized bones and initiated genomic sequencing of multiple moa species.
• Researchers are using comparative genomics with living relatives such as tinamou and emu alongside CRISPR editing to reconstruct key moa genetic traits.
• Filmmaker Peter Jackson has pledged $15 million and provided access to his private collection of roughly 300–400 moa bones to support the project.
• Conservation biologists caution that reintroducing a de-extinct moa could pose significant ecological risks and logistical challenges.