Media Release
14 November
Wellington Zoo Kākā take flight
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 Cape Kidnapper’s Cape Sanctuary 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.”
ENDS