A U.S. biotechnology company has identified about 2,300 potential genetic targets with the help of AI that could help bring back the extinct dodo, a flightless bird that disappeared more than 300 years ago. The discovery marks another step in efforts to recreate the extinct species using artificial intelligence and gene editing.
Texas-based Colossal Biosciences said Wednesday that its new AI platform, GenoMorph, identified genetic changes potentially linked to the dodo’s distinctive skull and large, hooked beak.
AI identifies genes linked to dodo’s distinctive beak
GenoMorph examined how skulls and beaks develop across more than 70 living bird species. The system identified approximately 2,300 candidate genetic targets associated with beak size and shape, which researchers are now testing in laboratories. Studying the dodo presents unusual challenges because ancient DNA breaks into fragments over time. Colossal said its reconstructed genome now has about 95% coverage.
Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief science officer, explained that scientists normally compare multiple genomes from the same species to identify genes responsible for particular traits. Only one reconstructed dodo genome is available, making such comparisons difficult. The AI platform instead uses information from living birds to identify promising targets for genetic modification.
Nicobar pigeons could help bring back the dodo
Colossal plans to introduce dodo-like traits into the cells of the Nicobar pigeon, the extinct bird’s closest living relative. Native to Southeast Asian islands, the Nicobar pigeon has shimmering green and copper feathers and can fly, unlike the dodo.
Breakthrough in dodo de-extinction. Bringing back the dodo is like rebuilding a lost hit from a few scratchy records. The tricky part? The arrangement, aka regulatory DNA. GenoMorph studies living birds to learn how it works. Swipe to learn more.
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— Colossal Biosciences® (@colossal) October 14, 2026
The company has expanded its breeding colony in Texas to 36 birds. Researchers expect the colony to support studies of pigeon genetics, reproduction and development. Colossal also reported progress in speeding up tests to determine whether genetic modifications produce the intended traits. However, it has not announced when it expects to hatch a dodo-like bird.
Preparing Mauritius for the dodo’s possible return
The dodo once lived on Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean. Standing about 3 feet tall and weighing up to 50 pounds, the flightless bird disappeared following human settlement, hunting, and the introduction of invasive animals. Its last widely cited sighting occurred in 1662.
Colossal CEO Ben Lamm said the company is working with Mauritian scientists, conservation groups and government officials to prepare for a possible return. Plans include restoring habitats and removing invasive predators. No release locations have been selected.
Colossal is also pursuing efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth and revive the extinct Tasmanian tiger, along with projects involving the bluebuck antelope and moa. In 2025, it announced genetically engineered gray wolves with traits resembling the extinct dire wolf.
Despite the latest progress, researchers must still confirm which genetic changes work, establish whether those traits can be inherited, and determine whether engineered birds could survive in Mauritius.
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