Source: NZ Department of Conservation
A word from Sirocco.
Skraaaaark! Kia ora, friends! Sirocco here, your favourite feathered conservation ambassador, and occasional internet sensation. I’m popping in (virtually, of course) to talk about something close to my heart: the kākāpō adoption programme.
Now, before you get too excited – no, I’m not up for adoption. I’m flattered, truly. But the great news is nine birds are including some of my fav friends, plus my granny and grandad! Symbolic adoptions are one of the coolest ways you can help my species thrive.
What’s this adoption thing all about?
When you symbolically ‘adopt’ a kākāpō, you’re not just getting a certificate or a cute soft toy version of one of us (though, we are very cuddly). You’re helping fund the incredible mahi of the Kākāpō Recovery team – the tireless humans who monitor us, protect our habitats, and ultimately help us thrive.
There are three levels of support, and you can choose an email adoption (eco-friendly and available all year, with just a digital certificate of acknowledgement) or a postal adoption (which includes goodies like a plush toy, certificate, sticker, and bookmark – but these ones are only available until 25 November, so be quick!).
Who can you adopt?
I’m not on the list (I know, tragic), but let me introduce you to some of my fabulous friends and whānau up for adoption this year:
Bluster-Murphy – attack survivor
My mate Bluster-Murphy has two missing toes, is known for stealing food, and may become a first-time father this breeding season.
Jem – feisty survivor
Jem survived a soggy egg incident in her early days. She’s now a great mum and foster mum, known to lay the first ever recorded clutch of five eggs. She is also great at hiding from the rangers.
Marama – little lady
The smallest and most delicate female in the population. Wee Marama is a calm and caring foster mum who had three chicks of her own in 2019.
Waikawa – special starter
The first chick to hatch from a fully artificially incubated egg, the youngest female to successfully breed and a 100% fertility record – Waikawa is making it look easy.
Nora – marvellous matriarch
The longest-known kākāpō alive, and my remarkable grandma – Nora! Granny was the first nesting female found on Rakiura. She has many descendants though I’m sure I’m her favourite. She once incubated a kumara, let’s not get into that – all you need to know is that my granny is a living legend.
Rangi – artful dodger
Boy, does grandad Rangi have some stories to tell. He disappeared for 21 years before being rediscovered booming without a transmitter. Grandad is elusive, alert, and hard to catch but he also has more descendants than any other male. A true legend of the undergrowth.
Kuia – genetic genius
The only daughter of the last Fiordland kākāpō Richard Henry. Precious Kuia carries rare genes and is known for eating the most food of all the mums during breeding seasons.
Rahotu – future promise
Grandson of Richard Henry and fathered by Sinbad with the help of artificial insemination – some birds just hatch special. Rahotu overcame infection as a little one and has grown into a handsome bird with his father’s bright green plumage.
Sinbad – Fiordland father
Sinbad had a dramatic start, needing an oxygen mask on a flight as a chick. Now days, his efforts to pass on his precious Fiordland genes by artificial insemination make him a true conservation success story.
Boom boom boom! It’s kākāpō adoption time and it’s super easy. Choose your favourite bird from their online profiles, follow the prompts, and boom – you’re part of our conservation story. You will also receive an exclusive email update on your adopted bird later next year.
Whether it’s a gift for someone special or a treat for yourself, your support helps keep our species alive and thriving.
PS. Remember if you want the postage pack with the soft toy, order before 25 November.
Ngā mihi nui,
Sirocco
