From Dire Wolves to the Moa Bird: Colossal Targets the World’s Tallest Bird Next

Colossal Biosciences has announced its next de-extinction project: the Colossal moa revival, expanding beyond its dire wolf research to bring back the tallest flightless bird ever recorded. Once widespread across New Zealand, moa species — including the South Island giant — were wiped out roughly 600 years ago. In partnership with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre and filmmaker Peter Jackson, Colossal is sequencing ancient moa DNA and engineering key traits into modern surrogate species. This Māori-led initiative joins Colossal’s dire wolf project as the fifth in the company’s de-extinction lineup, blending advanced genome science with Indigenous stewardship to restore both ecological balance and cultural heritage. The moa’s potential return, alongside Colossal Biosciences’ dire wolf research, would mark bold steps in proving that extinction is not the end.

Read the full feature in RollingStone.