Wellington Zoo bid farewell to five Kākā, who will make their new home in
Hawke’s Bay.
Bred for restoration, three of the birds are heading to Boundary
Stream. They will join three others to
form part of a national breeding programme which aims to build Kākā numbers in
Hawke’s Bay.
The CapeKidnapper’s
CapeSanctuary will welcome the parents of
these three, who have proved a successful breeding pair.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see more Kākā released to help boost
population numbers across the North Island,”
said Chief Executive, Karen Fifield. “We have now bred 20 Kākā for restoration
here at Wellington Zoo since 2007.”
Wellington Zoo now has a newly established Kākā pair that is expected to
breed next year. The Zoo will receive
another female in the future to pair with another male; and both pairs will be
able to contribute to the breed for restoration project.
“We are so proud to be part of the Kākā breed for restoration project,”
explained Ms Fifield. “The Roost Te Pae
Manu, our native bird breeding and care centre here at the Zoo has been
integral to contributing to strengthening our native bird populations.”
“Every visitor helps to contribute to the success of The Roost Te Pae
Manu, and The Nest Te Kōhanga, our veterinary centre for injured native
wildlife. Both facilities allow our
visitors to learn more about how we work with these beautiful creatures, and
help them to make a personal connection with nature.”