Clean bill of health for giant bird skeleton
The skeleton of the heavy-footed moa, an enormous flightless bird which once roamed parts of New Zealand 570 years ago, were first brought to the city in 1868.
At the time the skeleton was the only example of the species in the country outside the British Museum in London.
The remains have now been carefully cleaned by experts and checked over for signs of deterioration to ensure the bird can continue to be seen by future generations.
According to Leeds Museum, the bird was brought to West Yorkshire after it was acquired by Henry Denny, the then curator of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society.
Like many objects in the Leeds collection, it was damaged in 1941 after Philosophical Hall - then the city's museum - was bombed during World War II.
In 2011 curators rediscovered the bird's bones and, after a full restoration, they were put on display in the Leeds City Museum's collectors cabinet.
Driven to extinction by hunting and deforestation around 570 years ago, the species was one of the largest birds which ever existed, standing almost 6ft (1.8m) tall and weighing more than 300 lbs (136kg).
Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries' curator of natural sciences, said: "The moa is a truly historic specimen which really captures the imagination and brings a completely different world inhabited by extinct and bizarre giants to life.
"Having animals like this on display is not only a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, it's a thought-provoking reminder of our responsibility to do what we can to protect the natural world both now and in the future."
The moa is one of a number of extinct species on display at the museum including a dodo and giant Irish elk.
Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
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20-07-2025
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Clean bill of health for giant bird skeleton
The giant skeletal remains of a rare bird stored at Leeds Museum have been given a clean bill of health by curators. The skeleton of the heavy-footed moa, an enormous flightless bird which once roamed parts of New Zealand 570 years ago, were first brought to the city in 1868. At the time the skeleton was the only example of the species in the country outside the British Museum in London. The remains have now been carefully cleaned by experts and checked over for signs of deterioration to ensure the bird can continue to be seen by future generations. According to Leeds Museum, the bird was brought to West Yorkshire after it was acquired by Henry Denny, the then curator of the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society. Like many objects in the Leeds collection, it was damaged in 1941 after Philosophical Hall - then the city's museum - was bombed during World War II. In 2011 curators rediscovered the bird's bones and, after a full restoration, they were put on display in the Leeds City Museum's collectors cabinet. Driven to extinction by hunting and deforestation around 570 years ago, the species was one of the largest birds which ever existed, standing almost 6ft (1.8m) tall and weighing more than 300 lbs (136kg). Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries' curator of natural sciences, said: "The moa is a truly historic specimen which really captures the imagination and brings a completely different world inhabited by extinct and bizarre giants to life. "Having animals like this on display is not only a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, it's a thought-provoking reminder of our responsibility to do what we can to protect the natural world both now and in the future." The moa is one of a number of extinct species on display at the museum including a dodo and giant Irish elk. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More stories like this Rare butterfly collection goes on display Museum launches 'choose your own price' admission Stuffed hippo helps reveal science of whiskers
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Extinct giant bird being brought back to life
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The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Leeds Biomedical Research Centre and Leeds Clinical Research Facility. Co-authors, disclosures are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Available multimedia is on right column of release link After 7:01 pm ET on July 17, 2025, view the manuscript online. AHA health information: What is an Arrhythmia? AHA health information: Watch an animation of ventricular fibrillation AHA health information: Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews Follow news from the AHA's Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging journal @CircImaging ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Bridgette McNeill: For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
