What was the dodo really?
The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird endemic to Mauritius. About 1 m tall, 10–18 kg, with grey plumage and a powerful yellow beak. Genetic analysis in 2002 showed its closest living relative is the Nicobar pigeon.
💡 Insider Tip
The "fat, clumsy" image comes from overfed European zoo specimens. Wild dodos were leaner and more agile.
Discovery and extinction (1598–1690)
Dutch sailors discovered the dodo in 1598. With no natural predators, the bird was completely fearless — easy prey. It was wiped out within ~90 years, not so much by hunting (the meat was tough) as by introduced rats, pigs and macaques that ate its eggs and chicks. Last confirmed sighting: 1662.
The great skeleton mystery
No complete dodo skeleton existed until 1865, when Mauritian teacher George Clark recovered 4,000 bones from the Mare aux Songes swamp in the south-east. Every museum dodo in the world traces back to this single site.
Where to see the dodo on Mauritius today
1) Natural History Museum, Port Louis (Mauritius Institute, free entry): reconstructed skeleton — the island's most famous exhibit. 2) Mare aux Songes (near the airport): excavation site, freely accessible. 3) François Leguat Reserve on Rodrigues: documents the related solitaire (also extinct).
💡 Insider Tip
The Mauritius Institute opens Mon–Fri 9–16, Sat 9–12. Allow 30 minutes.
The dodo as a symbol
Today the dodo features on Mauritius' coat of arms, is the mascot of national carrier Air Mauritius, and stands worldwide for human-caused extinction. The phrase "dead as a dodo" dates from the 19th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the dodo go extinct?
The last credible sighting was in 1662 by Dutch castaway Volkert Evertsz. 1690 is generally accepted as the final extinction date.
What did the dodo taste like?
Dutch sources described the meat as "tough and unpleasant". They called it "walgvogel" (disgusting bird). Extinction was mainly indirect, not through hunting.
Can I see a stuffed dodo?
No, nowhere in the world. The last soft-tissue dodo (Oxford specimen) was destroyed in 1755. Only skeletons and one preserved head in Oxford remain.
Bookings & Tours – Coming Soon
Hotels, tours and experiences will be available here soon.
