Scientists claim they’ve made ‘pivotal step’ in bringing back the dodo for first time in 300 years

The last reliable dodo sighting came from a Dutch sailor, who described it as a ‘kind of very big goose’ in 1662. Photograph: Leemage/Corbis/Getty Images

Since its demise in the 17th century, the dodo has long been synonymous with extinction. But thousands of dodos could soon again populate Mauritius, the species’ former home, according to a “de-extinction” company that has announced a major breakthrough in its quest to resurrect the flightless bird.

Colossal Biosciences said on Wednesday it has succeeded in growing pigeon primordial germ cells, precursor cells to sperm and eggs, for the first time. This is a “pivotal step” in bringing back the dodo, which was a type of pigeon, for the first time in more than 300 years, according to Colossal.