Mon Jul 14 10:32:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:

**The Hindu News Article**

**Extinct Giant Moa May Roam Again: Peter Jackson Funds De-Extinction Project**

**Wellington, New Zealand – July 14, 2025** – In a move that blends Hollywood magic with cutting-edge science, filmmaker Peter Jackson is investing $15 million into a project aimed at resurrecting the extinct South Island giant moa, a flightless bird that once towered over New Zealand.

Jackson, known for directing “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has partnered with Colossal Biosciences, a biotech firm specializing in de-extinction efforts, and the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in New Zealand, for this ambitious undertaking. Jackson’s personal collection of 300-400 moa bones has been invaluable in the early stages of the project.

The project began about two years ago after Jackson contacted Colossal. The first step is extracting viable DNA from well-preserved moa bones. This DNA will then be compared to the genomes of living bird species, such as the tinamou and emu, to identify the unique genetic traits of the moa. Colossal will leverage its past work on the dire wolf project to attempt genetic modifications that will allow for the creation of an animal similar to the giant Moa.

While the science is promising, the project faces numerous challenges. Unlike mammals, birds present unique hurdles in genetic modification due to their development inside eggs. There are also ethical and ecological concerns. Scientists are worried about the impact of introducing a resurrected species into a modern ecosystem and the potential for distraction from current conservation efforts. “This will be an extremely dangerous animal” says Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm.

Despite the hurdles, the project is generating significant excitement, particularly within the Māori community. The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre is involved in the project to make sure traditions and mythology is upheld. The hope is that the project will reinvigorate interest in New Zealand’s natural history and cultural heritage. The project will be advised by Paul Scofield, a senior curator of natural history at the Canterbury Museum, who has worked to identify Jackson’s bone collection.

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