Colossal Biosciences Uses AI in Effort to Recreate the Dodo

Sioux Falls, SD, October 14, 2026 —

Researchers at Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences are using artificial intelligence to support an effort to recreate the extinct dodo bird. The technology is being used to analyze degraded ancient DNA samples and help identify genetic components needed for the project, according to the information provided.

The effort has a projected return of the dodo by the early 2030s. That timeline is a projection, not a confirmed completion date. The information provided does not detail the stages planned between the current DNA analysis and the proposed return.

The summary describes AI as crucial to examining the degraded samples and understanding the genetic components involved. It does not specify which AI systems or analytical methods are being used, how many samples are under study, or what findings researchers have reached so far. It also does not explain what “recreate” or “return” would involve in practical terms.

Further details about the research were not provided, including the names of the researchers leading the work, the project’s specific milestones, and how progress will be measured. No information was supplied about the source or quantity of the ancient DNA samples, or about any technical challenges the team has encountered.

The stated goal and early-2030s projection therefore offer a broad outline of the initiative, but the available information leaves key questions about its methods, current progress and intended outcome unanswered. The projected timeline should be understood as the target described in the summary, rather than evidence that the dodo’s return has been achieved or is certain.

Story summarized from the original created by Jeffrey Kluger on time.com, see more information here.

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