Colossal's plans to "de-extinct" the giant moa are still impossible

image via New Scientist

July 9, 2025, 11:08 AM

• •Colossal Biosciences plans to "de-extinct" the moa, a large extinct bird from New Zealand.
• •The project involves modifying the genomes of living animals, likely the emu, to recreate the moa.
• •Experts express skepticism, with some stating the result will be a look-alike rather than a true moa.
• •The project raises ethical questions and may offer insights into moa biology, but its impact on the extinction crisis is debated.

Colossal Biosciences has announced a project to "de-extinct" the moa, a giant extinct bird, aiming to recreate the species through genetic modification. This initiative follows the controversial dire wolf project, and involves collaborating with researchers and museums in New Zealand. The process will likely involve modifying the emu's genome due to its size and egg characteristics. However, experts are divided on whether the resulting animal will be a true moa or merely a look-alike, and the project's broader implications remain a subject of debate.

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