No, They Have Not Cloned a Dodo Bird

No, scientists have not cloned a dodo bird, and as of 2024, there is no active dodo cloning project producing a living specimen. While advances in genetic technology have sparked discussions about de-extinction and the possibility of bringing back extinct species like the dodo, did they clone a dodo bird remains a question answered with a firm "not yet." Researchers have made progress in sequencing the dodo's genome, particularly through analysis of well-preserved DNA from museum specimens, but cloning requires far more than just genetic data. The technical, ethical, and ecological hurdles remain significant, making the revival of the dodo a distant prospect rather than a current reality.

The Dodo: A Symbol of Extinction

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird native to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. First encountered by Dutch sailors in the late 16th century, the dodo became infamous for its rapid extinction—within less than a century of human contact. By the late 1600s, the species was gone, a victim of overhunting, habitat destruction, and invasive species such as rats and pigs brought by settlers. Its extinction made the dodo one of the first widely recognized examples of human-driven species loss, cementing its place in both scientific literature and popular culture.

Culturally, the dodo has become a powerful symbol. It appears in literature, most notably in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where it represents eccentricity and whimsy. However, in conservation biology, the dodo stands as a cautionary tale—a reminder of how fragile island ecosystems can be when exposed to external pressures. Today, the phrase “dead as a dodo” underscores finality, often used metaphorically to describe anything obsolete or irrevocably lost.

Biological Profile of the Dodo

The dodo was a member of the Columbidae family, making it a close relative of modern pigeons and doves. Despite early depictions showing it as an overweight, clumsy bird, recent studies suggest that the dodo was likely more agile and well-adapted to its environment than previously thought. Standing about one meter tall and weighing around 10–18 kilograms, it had strong legs for navigating dense forest undergrowth and a large beak suited for eating fruit.

Its flightlessness evolved due to the absence of natural predators on Mauritius, allowing energy to be redirected from wing development to body mass and reproduction. This evolutionary adaptation, however, left the species extremely vulnerable once humans and invasive animals arrived. Unlike migratory birds that might escape environmental changes, the dodo’s entire population was confined to a single island, leaving no room for retreat or recovery.

De-Extinction Science: Can We Bring Back the Dodo?

The idea of reviving extinct species—known as de-extinction—has gained traction in recent years thanks to breakthroughs in genetics, particularly CRISPR gene-editing technology. Scientists have successfully sequenced the dodo’s genome using DNA extracted from a well-preserved skull housed at Oxford University. This milestone allows researchers to compare the dodo’s genetic code with that of its closest living relatives, primarily the Nicobar pigeon and other fruit doves.

However, having a genome sequence is only the first step. Cloning typically requires a viable nucleus from a preserved cell and a closely related surrogate mother to carry the embryo. In the case of the dodo, no intact cells exist—only fragmented DNA recovered from bones and museum specimens. This means traditional cloning methods, like those used to create Dolly the sheep, are not feasible.

Instead, scientists would need to use a technique called genome editing: modifying the DNA of a living relative (such as the Nicobar pigeon) to resemble that of the dodo. The edited embryo would then need to be gestated, likely in an artificial egg or within a surrogate bird. Even if successful, the resulting animal would not be a pure dodo but a hybrid—sometimes referred to as a “dodo-like” organism.

Current Efforts and Challenges

In 2023, a biotechnology company named Colossal Biosciences—known for its work on woolly mammoth revival—announced plans to explore dodo de-extinction. While this generated media excitement, experts caution that such projects are long-term endeavors with uncertain outcomes. The company aims to use gene-editing tools to gradually introduce dodo traits into pigeon genomes, potentially creating birds with dodo-like characteristics over several generations.

Even if technically achievable, numerous challenges remain:

• Lack of Suitable Surrogates: Pigeons are much smaller than dodos, raising questions about whether they can physically carry and hatch a modified embryo of similar size.
• Behavioral Complexity: Even if a genetically altered bird resembles a dodo physically, it may not exhibit the same behaviors, social structures, or ecological roles.
• Habitat Restoration: Mauritius today is vastly different from the ecosystem the dodo once inhabited. Reintroducing any form of dodo would require extensive habitat rehabilitation and invasive species control.
• Ethical Concerns: Critics argue that resources spent on de-extinction might be better directed toward conserving currently endangered species facing imminent extinction.

Moreover, legal frameworks governing the creation and release of genetically engineered organisms vary by country and are largely untested in the context of de-extinction.

Why the Interest in Cloning a Dodo?

The fascination with cloning a dodo stems from a mix of scientific curiosity, cultural nostalgia, and conservation ambition. As one of the most iconic extinct animals, the dodo captures public imagination in a way few other species do. Reviving it could serve as a powerful symbol of redemption—a chance to correct a historical wrong caused by human activity.

From a scientific standpoint, studying a living dodo—or even a close approximation—could provide insights into avian evolution, island biogeography, and the genetic basis of flightlessness. Additionally, the technologies developed during such efforts could benefit broader conservation initiatives, such as enhancing genetic diversity in endangered populations.

Proponents also suggest that reintroducing a dodo-like species could help restore ecological functions in Mauritius, such as seed dispersal for native plants that co-evolved with the bird. However, these potential benefits must be weighed against risks, including unintended ecological consequences and the diversion of attention and funding from existing conservation priorities.

How Close Are We to Seeing a Living Dodo?

As of 2024, we are still decades away from seeing a living, breathing dodo—or even a functional proxy. While genome sequencing is complete and gene-editing tools are advancing rapidly, the integration of all necessary components—viable embryos, successful incubation, proper development, and post-hatching survival—remains speculative.

Colossal Biosciences estimates that their passenger pigeon de-extinction project may yield results within 10–15 years; the dodo effort is likely to follow a similar or longer timeline. Realistically, any attempt to "resurrect" the dodo will require sustained investment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and careful regulatory oversight.

What Can Bird Enthusiasts and Conservationists Do?

While waiting for scientific breakthroughs, individuals interested in birds and biodiversity can take meaningful action today. Observing living species through birdwatching fosters appreciation for avian diversity and supports citizen science initiatives like eBird and the Christmas Bird Count. Supporting organizations dedicated to habitat preservation—such as BirdLife International or the Audubon Society—helps protect species before they reach the brink of extinction.

Additionally, learning about island endemics—birds like the kakapo, the Hawaiian honeycreeper, or the Seychelles magpie-robin—offers insight into the vulnerabilities that led to the dodo’s demise. Many of these species face similar threats: limited range, low reproductive rates, and susceptibility to invasive predators.

By focusing on prevention rather than reversal, conservationists can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. After all, it is far easier—and more effective—to save a species while it still exists than to attempt resurrection centuries later.

Common Misconceptions About Dodo Cloning

Several myths persist about the feasibility and status of dodo cloning:

• Misconception: Scientists have already created a dodo embryo.
  Reality: No dodo embryo has been created. Research is still in the genomic analysis phase.
• Misconception: Cloning a dodo is just like cloning a mammal.
  Reality: Avian reproduction presents unique challenges, including external egg development and complex embryonic signaling, which make cloning far more difficult than in mammals.
• Misconception: A cloned dodo would be identical to the original.
  Reality: Any revived organism would be a hybrid, shaped by both edited genes and the biology of its host species.

Aspect	Status (as of 2024)
Genome Sequenced	Yes
Viable Cells Available	No
Cloning Attempted	No
Surrogate Identified	Potential: Nicobar pigeon
Active De-Extinction Project	In early research phase (Colossal Biosciences)

Frequently Asked Questions

Has anyone successfully cloned a dodo bird?

No, no one has cloned a dodo bird. Despite advances in genetics, the technology and biological materials required for cloning do not currently exist for the dodo.

Is there a plan to bring back the dodo?

Yes, Colossal Biosciences has announced preliminary research into dodo de-extinction, but it remains in the early stages and is not expected to produce results for many years.

Could a dodo be cloned using modern technology?

Not with current methods. Traditional cloning requires intact cells, which are unavailable. Genome editing offers a theoretical pathway, but significant technical barriers remain.

What bird is closest to the dodo?

The Nicobar pigeon is the dodo’s closest living relative, followed by other fruit doves. These species are used as reference points in genetic studies aiming to reconstruct dodo traits.

Why can’t we just use dinosaur cloning techniques for the dodo?

Dinosaur cloning is not possible due to the degradation of DNA over millions of years. The dodo went extinct only ~350 years ago, so its DNA is better preserved, but still too fragmented for cloning. Techniques differ significantly between ancient and recently extinct species.