US biotech firm advances plan to bring extinct dodo back to Mauritius

Colossal Biosciences announced progress in its effort to resurrect the extinct dodo bird, using a new AI platform to identify genetic traits for gene-editing, with the goal of returning the species to Mauritius. The Dallas-based company plans to edit genes of the Nicobar pigeon, the dodo's closest living relative, to express dodo traits. Colossal has completed 95% of the dodo genome analysis and expanded its pigeon colony to 36 birds, though no hatching timeframe was announced. Colossal is also working on de-extinction projects for the woolly mammoth, thylacine, and other species. The company is collaborating with Mauritian officials on habitat restoration and invasive species removal to prepare for the dodo's potential return.