Peter Jackson, filmmaker for "The Lord of the Rings", is partnering with Colossal Biosciences and New Zealand’s Ngāi Tahu Research Centre to revive the extinct South Island Giant Moa, a 12-foot-tall flightless bird that vanished 600 years ago due to overhunting.
Jackson, an investor in Colossal and owner of over 300 moa bones, is contributing $15 million alongside his partner Fran Walsh to this ambitious de-extinction project. The project aims to genetically engineer living birds like the Tinamou to resemble the moa, using ancient DNA found in New Zealand.
Colossal’s prior success with Dire Wolves fuels optimism, though the project remains in it's early stages, with scientists examining fossils to sequence the moa’s genome. The revival effort includes conservation and biobanking to protect native species, blending cutting-edge science with indigenous wisdom.
Jackson’s lifelong interest in the moa, a symbol of New Zealand’s identity, transforms a childhood dream into a workable mission. The collaboration highlights how technology can restore lost ecosystems while respecting Māori heritage, offering a model for global conservation. It’s a walk of hope, showing our potential to mend past mistakes.
The idea of moas roaming New Zealand again is exciting. The science may be complex and timelines unsure, but having them back in their natural habitat would be a step toward healing our planet’s history, opening the way for more restoration in the future.
Read more about it here
(https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/07/08/extinct-new-zealand-bird-colossal-peter-jackson/84462899007/)
