Scientists have been in a heated debate over whether to revive the dodo, which exterminated flightless birds for over 300 years. Biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences is approaching reviving it through groundbreaking genetic engineering.
Does such experiments risk deeper moral pitfalls, or is it ethically correct to manipulate natural timelines, perform “jurassic parks” and reclaim species that human hunting has long erased? The company’s latest breakthrough was growing primitive germ cells from pigeons, growing precursors into sperm and eggs, sparking this deep question and enforcing calculations of scientific ambitions and the limits of human responsibility for the past.
The Dodo Resurrection Project raises warnings from scientists
Just as critics warn of unintended ecological confusion and ethical ambiguity in this scientific practice, plans to revive the Dodo take a deep risk. As already seen in the loss of habitat for invasive green paraquiets and other creatures across Europe, introducing genetically edited birds into Mauritius, the former Dodo island home, can disrupt vulnerable ecosystems.
Skeptic experts, including Oxford’s rich Grenier, argue that disappearing can deflect valuable resources from urgent conservation warfare, including the effects of hunting suppression that threaten thousands of living species today. Similarly, replicating the precise genetic structure of dodos remains a major challenge. The resulting birds may simply be similar in shape, but there are broader consequences due to the natural food chain, which raises doubts about authenticity and increases interests that interfere with the grand design of evolution.
But what are the pros of the scientists’ Dodo Revival Initiative?
But supporters of the dodo revival say it has compelling benefits that can redefine conservation and biodiversity. By editing surrogate chicken pigeon DNA using tools such as CRISPR, Colossal hopes to restore lost ecological roles such as seed dispersal, which once stabilises Mauritius forests and can enhance resilience to environmental degradation. CEO Ben Lamm expects birds to roam predator-free habitats within five to seven years, with public adoration and hopes to gain global support for wildlife conservation.
The momentum of the project is evident in the $120 million increase in funding, boosting its valuation to $10.2 billion with supporters such as Tom Brady, Paris Hilton, Tiger Woods and Peter Jackson, who support the idea of reviving New Zealand’s huge MOA. Rather than just a gimmick, this could illuminate the detension of tension as a toolkit to heal inflamed wounds on humans on Earth.
Colossal’s achievements add some conspiracy. A few months ago, experts dismissed it as exaggerating, but insisted that it would abolish the disastrous wolves. But as the partnership acquires potential safe havens in Mauritius, the revival of the Dodo appears to be imminent, as long as ethical considerations support its revival.
