The dodo has long stood as a symbol of loss. But now, scientists say the flightless bird may one day return to Mauritius. A Texas company claims to be closer than ever to reviving the species, three centuries after it vanished.
What is the new scientific breakthrough?
Colossal Biosciences says it has grown pigeon primordial germ cells, the building blocks of eggs and sperm. This marks what it calls a key step towards recreating the dodo, which was itself a type of pigeon. The company has also produced gene-edited chickens designed to act as surrogates for the birds. These chickens are injected with germ cells from Nicobar pigeons, the dodo’s closest living relatives.
How soon could the dodo return?
Chief executive Ben Lamm estimates the process may take five to seven years. He said the goal is not just to create a few dodos but thousands, each engineered with genetic diversity strong enough for them to thrive in the wild. Colossal is working with conservation groups to identify safe sites in Mauritius that are free of invasive predators such as rats.
The bird once roamed freely through Mauritius, where it faced no natural predators. Its decline began with hunting and was accelerated by European expansion. Habitat loss and the arrival of species such as macaques, pigs and rats destroyed nests and hastened its extinction. The last reliable sighting came in 1662 when a Dutch sailor described a “very big goose”.
What challenges remain in recreating the bird?
Experts caution that engineering a bird identical to the dodo may not be possible. Leonardo Campagna, an evolutionary biologist, said the genetic complexity of recreating traits such as its large size, unique wings and distinct face remains unclear. He warned that what may result is not a true dodo but a close simulation.
What do critics say about de-extinction?
Some conservationists maintain that such ventures jeopardise focus on immediate ecological challenges, including climate change and habitat loss. Oxford University's Rich Grenyer described the initiative as a "dangerous distraction" and warned that engineered species might bring only the semblance of restoration when underlying environmental problems are left to persist.
Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s scientific lead, said the process will be slow and cautious. She stressed the aim is to integrate the birds thoughtfully into the landscape, not release them all at once. Lamm, meanwhile, dismissed doubts over whether they should be called dodos at all, insisting that debate fuels public interest.
What comes next for the company?
Colossal recently extended its funding round by $120m, reaching a valuation of $10.2bn. Its high-profile investors include Tom Brady, Paris Hilton and Tiger Woods. Director Peter Jackson has also backed the firm, supporting its parallel efforts to revive the moa, a giant bird once found in New Zealand.
As scientists debate whether the revival will produce true dodos or something new, the project continues to stir excitement. Whether Mauritius will one day see the return of its most famous bird remains a question the next decade may answer.
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