“Some of those iconic species that feature in our tribal mythology, our storytelling, are very near and dear to us,” says Ngāi Tahu archaeologist Kyle Davis, who is working on the moa de-extinction project. “Participation in scientific research, species management, and conservation has been a large part of our activities.”

Along with Colossal Biosciences, the filmmaker is joining an indigenous-centered partnership to resurrect the 12-foot-tall moa, dead for centuries.

The 'Lord of the Rings' director's fascination with the moa, a large extinct New Zealand bird, has led to a partnership with a biotech company that is attempting to bring back lost species.