A rare egg belonging to an extinct giant bird is set to return to New Zealand after spending nearly 60 years in a private collection in the United States. It will be handed over to Māori researchers and cultural leaders in December.
The egg, which dates back to a species that once roamed the country, was purchased by biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences at an auction earlier this year.
He helped draw attention to the egg after learning it was being sold outside the country, prompting discussions with Colossal about securing its return.
Filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson, who is involved in the company’s moa research partnership, said the extinct birds remained an important part of New Zealand’s cultural memory.
The egg was discovered in New Zealand on January 14, 1966, according to a Colossal Biosciences announcement published through PR Newswire. It later entered a private American collection before resurfacing at an auction in Colorado in June 2026, when the company bought it specifically to bring it home.
How will researchers study the rare egg?
Researchers hope its examination could help establish which moa species laid it and where it originated. However, any future scientific testing will be guided by Ngāi Tahu researchers and Māori cultural practices. Colossal is also collaborating with New Zealand partners on research exploring whether moa could one day be brought back through de-extinction technology.
