Lord of the Rings Director aims to revive New Zealand’s Moa bird species extinct for 600 years

Peter Jackson is collaborating with Colossal Biosciences to revive New Zealand’s Moa bird species, which has been extinct for 600 years.

Known for directing The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, Jackson has invested in the Texas-based biotech company to support the potential revival of the giant Moa bird. 

These flightless birds span nine unique species, with some standing up to 3.6 metres tall and weighing as much as 500lbs.

Colossal Biosciences is working with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in New Zealand to collect Moa bones for DNA sampling. 

Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh have already gathered around 400 Moa bones, which have been sampled for DNA to assist in creating a complete genome.

“Fran and I have a collection of around 400 Moa bones, and we’ve already sampled them for DNA,” Jackson told IGN. “I see my role over the next year or two as gathering as many more bones as I can. The more bones, the better the genome.”

Jackson added, “I’ve always loved the idea of de-extinction. Particularly, since the science can also have huge benefits with endangered species too.”

The Moa project is a personal passion for Jackson, who told MSN, “The movies are my day job, and the Moa are my fun thing I do.”

Colossal Biosciences has recently been in the spotlight for similar projects. The company’s work aims to use de-extinction science to support biodiversity and conservation efforts globally.