The great auk was a common, aquatic flightless bird of northern hemisphere that claimed the arctic/atlantic waters and rocky islands as home + nesting grounds. They occupied a high predator niche of crustaceans and fish. This species went extinct in the 19th century after being exploited and overhunted for feathers + food, oil, and specimens. Great auks were the first coined penguins, until later being granted their modern name, hence their scientific genus: "Pinguinus". Despite their appearance, they are more closely related to auks and shorebirds than they are to other penguins. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Great Auk De-Extinction: In 2016, Revive & Restore announced the de-extinction of the great auk and has worked with auks, button quail, and germline chimeras for scientific study. Colossal Biosciences is also participating in some of the research + created the artificial egg.
De-Extinction: Revive & Restore Sprite Work: Ceres4S2D1 Sounds: Scratch
