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Moa De-Extinction Enters DNA Sequencing Phase with Jackson’s £11 Million Backing

Colossal Biosciences has begun DNA sequencing of 400 moa specimens under Jackson’s £11 million investment.

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Overview

  • Sir Peter Jackson has committed £11 million and contributed around 400 bone specimens to Colossal’s effort to recover moa DNA.
  • On July 8 Colossal launched its genome extraction and sequencing phase as part of a wider $15 million funding round.
  • Scientists will use emu and tinamou genomes as reference points to reconstruct the moa’s full genetic blueprint by summer 2026.
  • The company aims to hatch engineered moa in a dedicated reserve within five to ten years rather than release birds immediately into the wild.
  • Researchers caution that challenges in avian embryo engineering, questions over authenticity and modern habitat suitability could hinder true de-extinction.