Colossal’s Moa Bird Revival: Jurassic-World-Style Plan to Bring Back the Giant Moa

Colossal Biosciences is partnering with New Zealand’s Ngāi Tahu Research Centre and filmmaker Peter Jackson to bring back the giant moa bird—one of the tallest birds in history. Towering female moa reached over 12 feet tall and once shaped New Zealand’s forests through grazing and seed dispersal. The Colossal moa bird project involves collecting ancient DNA, assembling full moa genomes, and applying CRISPR-based editing to reintroduce moa traits into a modern surrogate species. Led by Māori conservationists, the initiative blends advanced genetics with Indigenous leadership to set a new standard for ethical species restoration. Colossal sees the moa’s return as a milestone for rewilding and restoring balance to fragile ecosystems.

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