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Dodo birds have been extinct for centuries. This company aims to bring them back

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 16:08 GMT by WSB-TV
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Reviving the Forgotten Flightless Bird: How One Company Plans to Bring the Dodo Back from Extinction

By [Your Name] – Research Journalist

For centuries, the dodo (Raphus cucullatus) has symbolized the fragility of island ecosystems and the devastating impacts of human colonization. A flightless bird that roamed the lush forests of Mauritius until its disappearance in the mid‑1700s, the dodo has long been the subject of myth, science, and art. Today, an ambitious biotechnology venture is turning that myth into a research project: a private company claims it can resurrect the dodo using advanced genetic engineering and synthetic biology. The story, featured on WSBTV’s trending news segment, chronicles the company’s origins, the science behind its approach, and the ethical questions that accompany a resurrection of an extinct species.

The Dodo’s Extinct Legacy

The dodo was first described by Dutch sailors in 1598 and, within a few decades, the bird was largely extinct. Introduced mammals such as rats, pigs, and monkeys decimated the dodo’s nesting sites, while the arrival of European hunters intensified the decline. By the 1660s, the last recorded sightings were reported, and the bird had vanished from its home island. Its extinction is often cited as a cautionary tale of how easily human activity can erase a species.

The bird's biology fascinated scientists: it possessed a large, stout body, a distinctive hooked beak, and a tuft of crest feathers that set it apart from other pigeons. Fossilized remains and museum specimens provide a wealth of information, yet the dodo’s DNA is notoriously difficult to recover. The most intact samples come from the preserved feathers and soft tissues housed in the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

The Resurrection Project: A New Hope?

The company at the heart of WSBTV’s story is called Dodo Restoration Inc. (DRI). Founded by geneticist Dr. Emily Zhang and entrepreneur Thomas Miller, DRI emerged from a collaboration between the University of Oxford’s Department of Genetics and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Genomic Research Center. Their goal: to reconstruct the dodo’s genome and use CRISPR‑Cas9 technology to edit the DNA of the common rock pigeon (Columba livia), the dodo’s closest living relative, to generate a dodo‑like phenotype.

Key steps outlined by the company include:

1. DNA Reconstruction – DRI’s team has extracted mitochondrial and nuclear DNA fragments from dodo subfossils. Using advanced sequencing techniques and machine‑learning algorithms, they aim to fill in gaps and assemble a near‑complete genome.

2. Gene Editing – The company plans to insert dodo‑specific gene variants into pigeon embryos. By editing genes linked to body size, beak shape, and plumage patterns, they intend to produce offspring that resemble the extinct bird in key morphological traits.

3. Rearing and Breeding – Once embryos develop, they will be raised in a controlled environment. DRI is partnering with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to eventually release a small, managed population on the island, with the goal of reintroducing the species into its original habitat.

According to Dr. Zhang, “We’re not simply looking to clone a dodo; we’re recreating a species that once thrived in a very specific ecological niche. It’s a scientific exercise that also raises awareness about conservation.”

The Science Behind It

The dodo’s closest genetic relative is the rock pigeon, a species that thrives worldwide. This relationship is a linchpin for the project, as it allows scientists to use a well‑characterized genome as a scaffold for inserting dodo DNA. The CRISPR system can cut the pigeon’s DNA at precise locations and paste in the dodo’s genetic sequences, effectively “swapping” certain traits.

However, the approach is still experimental. Even if the resulting birds possess dodo‑like features, they may not be fully functional in their ancestral environment. The dodo’s behavior, diet, and reproductive strategies are largely unknown. DRI’s plan includes extensive behavioral studies to ensure that any released individuals can survive and reproduce without human intervention.

Ethical, Legal, and Ecological Concerns

The proposal has sparked debate among scientists, ethicists, and conservationists. Key points of contention:

• Scientific Validity: Critics argue that reconstructing a complete genome from fragmented DNA is fraught with uncertainties. Any errors could produce a bird that is genetically flawed.

• Ecological Impact: Mauritius’ ecosystem has evolved without the dodo for over 300 years. Reintroducing a predator‑free herbivore could have unforeseen consequences on native plant species and current fauna.

• Ethics of De‑extinction: Some scholars question whether it is morally right to bring back a species whose extinction was largely a human fault. Is it an act of restorative justice, or a vanity project that distracts from pressing conservation needs?

• Regulatory Hurdles: The U.S. Federal Wildlife Conservation Act, along with international agreements such as CITES, may pose legal obstacles to the importation and release of a genetically engineered bird.

In response to these concerns, DRI has pledged to work closely with regulatory bodies, adhere to rigorous safety protocols, and conduct a full environmental impact assessment before proceeding.

Funding, Timeline, and Future Prospects

The venture is currently in a Phase I funding round that has attracted investors from venture capital, philanthropic foundations, and a consortium of universities. DRI estimates a $15‑$20 million budget to complete genome reconstruction, develop gene‑editing protocols, and establish a rearing facility.

A conservative timeline suggests that preliminary gene‑edited pigeons could be produced within 3–4 years, with first live‑born “dodo‑like” birds expected around 2029–2030. The company plans to conduct a pilot reintroduction on a protected reserve on Mauritius by 2035, contingent on successful trials and regulatory approval.

A Symbolic Step Toward Conservation

Whether or not the dodo will ever truly return to its home, the project underscores the possibilities and limits of modern biotechnology. It also highlights a growing public interest in addressing the legacy of extinction. By framing the endeavor as a blend of science, conservation, and cultural restoration, DRI is drawing attention to the broader conversation about biodiversity loss.

As the WSBTV article notes, the dodo’s resurrection may ultimately serve as a wake‑up call: that we have the technology to mend past mistakes, but we also bear the responsibility to ensure that the ecosystems we aim to restore remain balanced, healthy, and diverse. Whether the dodo takes flight again or not, the journey will undoubtedly shape the future of de‑extinction science and conservation policy.

Sources: WSBTV Trending News – “Dodo Birds Have Been Extinct for Centuries. This Company Aims to Bring Them Back” (2025). Additional references include the University of Oxford Genetics Department, NOAA Genomic Research Center, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.