Colossal Biosciences Announces $15 Million Moa De-Extinction Project Led by Ngāi Tahu Research Centre

Auckland, New Zealand – Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based genetic engineering company, has officially announced a new de-extinction initiative focused on the legendary moa of New Zealand. The project, which aims to bring back the flightless bird, is being coordinated by the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, placing indigenous leadership at its core. Filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh are providing $15 million in funding for the ambitious endeavor.

Colossal Biosciences stated in a recent social media post, > "Today we announce a new Colossal de-extinction project: the legendary moa of New Zealand. This new de-extinction initiative, coordinated by the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, brings the return of this legendary bird closer to reality." The company added, "Hope is taking flight, even if these birds can’t." This partnership marks a significant step in integrating traditional ecological knowledge with advanced genetic science.

The South Island Giant Moa, which could stand up to 3.6 meters tall, went extinct approximately 600 years ago, primarily due to overhunting by early Māori settlers. For the Māori, moa were a vital resource and held deep cultural significance, symbolizing strength and resilience. The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre's involvement ensures that Māori values and cultural context will guide the scientific process, with the Ngāi Tahu iwi ultimately owning any resulting moa.

The de-extinction process involves extracting and sequencing ancient moa DNA from well-preserved remains, including those from Sir Peter Jackson's extensive collection and the Canterbury Museum. Scientists will compare this genetic blueprint with living relatives like the tinamou and emu to identify unique moa traits. The goal is to genetically modify embryos of a surrogate bird species using multiplex editing, with Colossal CEO Ben Lamm expressing confidence that moa hatchlings could be a reality within five to ten years.

Despite the enthusiasm, the project faces skepticism from some scientific quarters. Critics argue that "de-extinction" is a misnomer, as it creates a genetically modified proxy rather than an identical species. Professor Emeritus Philip Seddon of the University of Otago stated, "Extinction really is forever. There is no current genetic engineering pathway that can truly restore a lost species." Concerns also exist regarding the availability of suitable habitat and the ecological integration of these genetically engineered birds.

Proponents, however, emphasize the potential for ecological restoration, cultural revitalization, and advancements in conservation science. Paul Scofield, Senior Curator of Natural History at Canterbury Museum, described the initiative as "an unprecedented opportunity to recreate lost taonga (treasured) moa species." The project also aims to establish a genetic repository for other culturally significant species and explore economic opportunities through ecotourism, creating pathways for Māori researchers.