How scientists plan to ‘resurrect’ the extinct South Island giant moa

• Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based company, is attempting to resurrect the extinct South Island giant moa, a 12-foot-tall bird, through genetic engineering.
• The project is backed by Lord of the Rings filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson, who has provided $15 million (£11m) in funding, and includes the New Zealand-based Ngāi Tahu Research Centre.
• Scientists aim to genetically engineer living birds to resemble the moa within five to 10 years, starting by extracting DNA from well-preserved bones.
• This marks Colossal's first attempt to de-extinct a bird, presenting unique challenges compared to their previous work with designer grey wolves.
• The initiative faces controversy from some scientists who question the feasibility of reintroducing extinct species and worry it may divert focus from protecting existing wildlife.

IN FULL

Scientists try to bring 12-foot tall giant bird back from 600-year extinction