Peter Jackson Backs De-Extinction Project: From Fossil to Fantasy, the Giant Moa Artwork

Wildlife Quests

For the curious, the wild at heart, and those who dream beyond the beaten path. Hosted by a passionate wildlife traveller Will Routledge, each episode dives into the world of conservation, exploration, and human connection with nature. From in-depth conversations with wildlife experts and conservationists to unforgettable stories from the front lines of wild and untamed places. Wildlife Quests brings you stories that inspire, educate, and ignite your love for the wild world. Whether you're a traveller, a nature nerd, or someone who just wants to hear about people doing extraordinary things, this podcast is for you.

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Wildlife Quests

Peter Jackson Backs De-Extinction Project: From Fossil to Fantasy, the Giant Moa

July 14, 2025 • Will Routledge • Season 2 • Episode 1

In this episode, we dive into the cutting-edge science behind one of the most ambitious conservation experiments in history: the effort to bring back the giant moa. From ancient DNA and CRISPR technology to emu surrogates and artificial egg environments, William explores how scientists including those at Colossal Biosciences are rewriting extinction.

But this isn't just science fiction. We unpack what this means for modern biodiversity, Indigenous collaboration, and ethical conservation, with reflections on how resurrection tech could benefit endangered species like the kākāpō and Māui dolphin today.

Topics covered include:

· How moa DNA is extracted from fossils and feathers

· Why cloning birds is so complex and how researchers are working around it

· The role of emu surrogates and AI modeling

· What moa de-extinction could teach us about saving species before they vanish

This episode blends awe-inspiring science with grounded conservation insight, asking: What do we owe the extinct? And how can their legacy guide us forward?

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