Peter Jackson teams up with biotech to resurrect the giant moa

In New Zealand, Maori researchers are collaborating with Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech company, and filmmaker Peter Jackson to explore bringing back the giant moa, a flightless bird extirpated approximately 600 years ago due to overhunting. This initiative marks an innovative intersection of culture and science as the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre at the University of Canterbury leads efforts to analyze well-preserved moa bones for DNA extraction. Jackson, who possesses one of the largest private collections of moa bones, emphasizes the significance of the moa in New Zealand's history and culture. Experts express both excitement and skepticism regarding the feasibility of such de-extinction efforts, questioning the implications for existing conservation initiatives. The venture could offer insights into biodiversity and native species preservation while sparking widespread ethical debates in the scientific community. The project, characterized by its ambitious nature and the potential impact on understanding extinct species, aims to harmonize Māori cultural interests with modern scientific capabilities. As discussions about the restoration of the moa unfold, ecological considerations for creating suitable habitats for these de-extincted birds will be vital to their success in a contemporary setting.