Archive · 18 Sep 2025
US Firm Making Progress on Dodo Bird De-Extinction Project
A company called Colossal Biosciences is trying to bring back the dodo bird, which went extinct over 400 years ago.
They're using genetic engineering, like modifying chicken eggs to act as surrogates.
The team successfully grew cells that will be used to create the birds.
They aim to create thousands of dodos to be released in Mauritius in about five to seven years.
This project has gained a lot of funding, and it’s part of a broader goal to improve conservation by bringing back extinct animals.
Colossal Biosciences is working on bringing back the extinct dodo bird.
The company has developed gene-edited chickens to act as surrogates.
Researchers have successfully grown pigeon Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs).
The company aims to introduce the dodos in Mauritius.
The project has raised significant funding, totaling $555 million.
- Who
- Colossal Biosciences
- What
- Working to bring back the extinct dodo bird through genetic engineering.
- When
- Announced progress in September 2025
- Where
- Mauritius (target reintroduction site)
- Why
- To revive the extinct species and potentially contribute to conservation efforts.
- Company
- Colossal Biosciences
- Project Goal
- Bring back the dodo bird
- Location
- Mauritius (potential reintroduction)
- Key Achievement
- Successfully grown pigeon PGCs (precursor to sperm and eggs)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years
- Funding
- $555 million total, $120 million recently