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Scientists Claim They Are Close to Saving the Dodo from Extinction – And I’m Genuinely Excited About It

I never thought I’d be writing this in 2025, but here we are: the dodo might be making a comeback. Yes, that dodo — the chubby, flightless bird we all learned about in school as the ultimate symbol of extinction. According to recent reports shared by The U.S. Sun, scientists say they’ve made incredible progress and are on the verge of bringing this iconic species back to life. And honestly? I’m fascinated. Let me walk you through why this matters — and how it’s even possible.

First, a quick rewind. The dodo went extinct in the late 1600s, around 1681, not long after humans landed on Mauritius, its only known habitat. With no natural fear of predators, it stood no chance against hungry sailors and invasive species. For centuries, the dodo became a punchline, a cautionary tale, a symbol of nature’s fragility. But now? It might become a symbol of scientific redemption.

The company behind this mind-blowing effort is Colossal Biosciences, a biotech startup that’s not just chasing headlines — they’re rewriting the rules of extinction. I’ve followed their work before, like their attempts to bring back the woolly mammoth, and now they’re using a similar approach with the dodo. The goal? De-extinction through advanced gene editing and synthetic biology.

Here’s how it works — in plain English. Scientists began by sequencing the dodo’s DNA, using remains preserved in museums. Then they compared that genetic data with the DNA of the dodo’s closest living relative, the Nicobar pigeon. I find this part incredibly smart: using modern tools like CRISPR, they aim to edit the Nicobar pigeon’s DNA to re-create the traits of the dodo. Once perfected, the edited embryos would be implanted into surrogate birds. The result? A living creature that walks, eats, and squawks like a dodo.

Of course, there are a ton of ethical and environmental questions buzzing around this story. I’ve seen people ask: “Should we really bring back extinct animals?” It’s a fair concern. Some fear it might distract us from protecting endangered species that are still with us. Others worry about how reintroduced animals would fit into modern ecosystems. And yet, I can’t help but feel inspired. If we have the tools to right a wrong — a wrong we caused — shouldn’t we at least explore that path?

Personally, this whole project taps into something bigger than just the dodo. It’s about hope, resilience, and the power of innovation. It shows that science isn’t just about lab coats and test tubes — it’s also about healing. Healing the planet, and maybe even our relationship with it.

So yes, I’m rooting for the dodo’s return. I’m curious, I’m hopeful, and I’m paying attention. Because in a world where headlines often feel like doomscrolling traps, this story reminds me that sometimes, science can give us a second chance.