Colossal Biosciences, a Texas biotech firm, plans to resurrect the extinct New Zealand giant moa bird. This follows their successful creation of dire wolf pups. The project involves collaboration with New Zealand's Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, utilizing ancient DNA and gene editing. While hailed as groundbreaking, the initiative also faces criticism, with some scientists arguing it's a modified hybrid, not true de-extinction, and that conservation efforts for existing species should be prioritized. Colossal plans ecological restoration in New Zealand to support potential moa habitats.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.