Colossal Biosciences and the Dodo Project: From Science Fiction to Reality

Colossal Biosciences has announced a world first in avian genetics, raising $120 million to accelerate its "de-extinction" project for the dodo.

Having been extinct for over three centuries due to human actions, the dodo remains a powerful symbol of extinction. The company Colossal, now valued at $10.3 billion, aims to bring the bird back to life and reintroduce it to Mauritius, as reported by Screen Rant on Wednesday.

"As the only company in the world specialized in de-extinction, it makes sense that the dodo is one of our flagship projects," explains CEO Ben Lamm. "Its return will bring much joy and emotion."

The scientific team has successfully cultivated germinal cells from pigeons for the first time— a crucial step since the Nicobar pigeon is the dodo’s closest living relative. This breakthrough paves the way for the genetic modifications necessary to recreate the bird.

According to scientist Beth Shapiro, the team is confident of restoring the dodo's iconic traits: its large curved beak, massive body, and inability to fly.

With its new funding, Colossal plans to expand its teams, enhance its research—particularly on artificial wombs—and advance techniques for breeding rare birds. However, the ultimate goal remains clear: to reintroduce the dodo to Mauritius.

To achieve this, the company has established a local advisory committee to work closely with the Mauritian community.

Beth Shapiro notes that Mauritius has previously succeeded in a reintroduction experiment with the Aldabra giant tortoises, which helped restore forests. She believes that dodos could play a similar ecological role by dispersing seeds and promoting forest regeneration.

Regarding the timeline, Colossal hopes for its first hatching within five to seven years but emphasizes the importance of quality over speed.

For Ben Lamm, this project transcends mere scientific endeavor: "Bringing back the dodo, a symbol of extinction caused by humans, is about correcting a past mistake and providing hope for conservation."