Boom-bastic

Blogger: Campaign manager for the Kakapo – Hon Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Conservation

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson gets up-close-and-personal with a codfish island kakapo

The kakapo is an amazing bird.

It has colour, character and a cheeky disposition that is completely irresistible. I have been fortunate in having had the opportunity to visit the home of the kakapo on Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) as well as the chick rearing facility in Invercargill.

Interacting with these amazing birds was a real privilege and to discover one plodding along behind you as you walk along a dirt track is somewhat like having a mischievous toddler in tow.
 
The most famous of kakapo, Sirocco – who is convinced he is human – was even appointed by the Prime Minister as our special conservation ambassador because of his personality. Sirocco of course is a true modern day media conservation superstar after his “up close and personal” encounter with Mark Cawardine from the BBC series “Last Chance to See”.

Today, with a world population of 122 (compared to 50 in 1995) and a comprehensive Kakapo Recovery Programme underway, the kakapo is on its first tentative steps to recovery. Its story is one of drama, despair and hope. There is a lot of work ahead of us to ensure the survival of these charismatic birds, but we are seeing progress.
 
Finally, I must declare an interest, in the true spirit of this competition (fair play and all). One of the new kakapo chicks is named Jack after my Jack Russell dog that passed away last year, so I will admit to having a certain bias when it comes to kakapo.
 
Please do the right thing and make the right choice by voting – KAKAPO!!!