Peter Jackson, the filmmaker behind The Lord of the Rings, is now venturing into something even more fantastical—reviving an extinct bird. According to AP News, Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh have poured $15 million into a project by Colossal Biosciences to genetically engineer birds that resemble the South Island giant moa, a 12-foot-tall flightless bird that once roamed New Zealand. The bird went extinct roughly 600 years ago due to overhunting.
The collaboration includes the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, where Māori scholars are helping guide the direction of the research. Jackson, who owns a large private collection of moa bones, sees the project as a passion pursuit—his “fun thing.” Scientists at Colossal hope to extract DNA from well-preserved moa bones and compare it with modern birds like emus and tinamous to identify the unique traits of the moa. From there, they’ll use CRISPR to modify living birds.
But this Jurassic Park-like dream raises serious concerns. As ecologist Stuart Pimm warns, even if scientists manage to produce a moa-like animal, reintroducing it into the wild may be impossible and even dangerous. Critics argue that efforts like these can distract from protecting endangered species that are still alive—ones who desperately need funding and attention.
The science is still in its early stages, and while the fantasy of bringing back extinct creatures may be thrilling, it’s vital to ask: Is it ethical? Is it ecological? Or is it just spectacle?
Let’s focus our energy on saving the species we still have. Support real Conservation work and biodiversity protection today—and say no to vanity science that plays god with extinct animals.
This article by Nicholas Vincent was first published by One Green Planet on 17 July 2025. Lead Image Credit :Eugene Drobitko/Shutterstock.
Wildlife in catastrophic decline
The 73% decline in vertebrate wildlife populations during the last 50 years (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish), is primarily driven by human activities that threaten biodiversity.
Habitat Loss and Degradation – human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, reducing the space and resources available for wildlife.
Pollution – air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and other sources can harm wildlife directly or indirectly by affecting their habitats and food sources.
Climate Change – changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and sea levels are disrupting ecosystems and impacting species’ ability to adapt and survive.
Overexploitation of Resources – unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging practices can lead to the depletion of populations and the loss of biodiversity.
Invasive Species – the introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, compete with native species, and threaten their survival.
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