Prehistoric bird once thought extinct returns to New Zealand wild

Prehistoric bird once thought extinct returns to New Zealand wild ‘Closing the circle’

For decades the Takahē bird was believed to be extinct, but thanks to a decades-long conservation project, the large, flightless bird has finally made its return in the wild on New Zealand's South Island.

The Takahē had been formally declared extinct in 1898, their population devastated by the arrival of European settlers’ animal companions: stoats, cats, ferrets and rats. After their rediscovery in 1948, conservationists gathered and artificially incubated eggs to prevent them being eaten by predators.

As they hatched, the chicks were fed and raised by workers wearing sock puppets with the birds’ distinctive red beaks. The Department of Conservation (DOC) gradually introduced them to a few island sanctuaries and national parks ...

It all built up to last week's release of eighteen Takahē in the Lake Whakatipu Waimāori valley, an alpine area of the South Island, which has been described as a vital victory for conservation in the country.

If the just-released pairs adjust to their new home, the hope is to release another seven birds in October and up to 10 juvenile takahē early next year. Read the full story