"Researchers Seek to Revive the Dodo—Prompting Moral and Environmental Debates"

Colossal Biosciences, a prominent player in the biotechnology industry, has reached a major fundraising achievement, attracting $120 million in fresh capital to propel its high-profile effort to bring back the dodo—a flightless bird that once inhabited Mauritius. The funds will support the development and application of genetic technologies, utilizing advanced computational and synthetic biology to reconstruct the dodo’s genome. As part of a larger mission to resurrect extinct animals, the initiative has generated much discussion among scientists and conservationists.

In its recent update, the company emphasized that this funding arrives at a crucial point in its endeavor. Researchers have successfully created a detailed reference genome for the dodo from museum sample fragments. Building on this groundwork, Colossal Biosciences plans to employ CRISPR and other gene-editing approaches to decode and reassemble the bird’s genetic code. Their ultimate aim is to insert these engineered genomes into a living bird species closely related to the dodo—possibly the Nicobar pigeon—which could act as a stand-in for the extinct bird.

This investment reflects increasing trust from investors in the promise of genetic de-extinction. The biotechnology sector has experienced a notable uptick in investment and breakthroughs lately, with various companies investigating genome modification as a solution for biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems. Although the dodo revival is among the field’s boldest projects, specialists warn that achieving de-extinction is fraught with long-term scientific and ethical complexities. Success depends not just on genome reconstruction, but also on ensuring the revived animal can adapt to its original environment—which has been dramatically changed by people.

While significant scientific challenges remain, conservationists have generally responded positively, seeing the initiative as a possible step forward for wider ecological recovery. Some experts believe the innovations emerging from the dodo project could benefit other areas, including breeding programs for at-risk species or genetic therapies for animals on the brink of extinction. Yet, there are those who question the approach, arguing that conservation funds would be better allocated to safeguarding existing wildlife and habitats rather than reviving species that have disappeared.

Colossal Biosciences has additionally revealed intentions to partner with global organizations and governmental bodies, aiming to maintain ethical standards and openness throughout the project. As their work advances, both the broader public and the scientific world will be watching closely, given the far-reaching possibilities—and the potential dangers—of manipulating genetic material.