Startup Gives Its Timeline for Breeding Actual Dodo Birds

The phrase “gone the way of the dodo” may soon need an update. Colossal Biosciences, a biotech startup based in Texas, has announced a key breakthrough in its mission to revive the long-extinct bird.

Founded in 2021, Colossal specializes in de-extinction—using genetic science to bring back species that have disappeared. Its latest focus is the dodo, which went extinct on the island of Mauritius in the late 1600s. This week, the company revealed it has successfully grown primordial germ cells (PGCs) from pigeons—early reproductive cells that can become sperm or eggs.

As reported by The Guardian, this is a crucial milestone on the path to creating a living dodo. The next phase involves gene-editing these cells and implanting them into surrogate chickens, using DNA from the Nicobar pigeon—the dodo’s closest living relative. According to The Observer, this marks the first time PGCs have been successfully cultivated in birds beyond chickens and geese.

“This paves the way for dodo de-extinction,” the company shared in a Facebook post.

Colossal CEO Ben Lamm believes the first living dodo could hatch within five to seven years. The company is also working with conservation organizations to find suitable, rat-free habitats on Mauritius where the birds could eventually be released. The last confirmed dodo sighting was in 1662.

“Our aim isn’t to bring back just a few dodos,” said Lamm. “We’re planning for thousands, with enough genetic diversity to establish a sustainable population.”

Colossal is also behind efforts to revive other extinct species, including the woolly mammoth and the dire wolf. However, not all scientists are convinced. Some express concerns about the ecological risks and the ethical implications of reintroducing genetically engineered animals into modern ecosystems—especially as natural habitats continue to face pressure.

Despite the debate, Colossal’s bold vision has attracted significant investor interest. Bloomberg reports the company recently raised another $120 million, bringing its total valuation to an estimated $10.3 billion.

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