By Josie July 25th, 2023
The Kakapo is native to New Zealand and is renowned as the fattest parrot globally, weighing almost 9 pounds!
What sets the Kakapo apart is its flightlessness, compensated by strong legs and excellent climbing abilities.
The Maori people hunted them for their meat, skin, and feathers, leading to a decline in their numbers.
The Europeans cleared land for agriculture, leading to a further reduction in their habitats.
It wasn’t until 1995, when only 51 Kakapos remained, that conservationists recognized the severity of the situation.
The remaining Kakapos were relocated to five off-shore, predator-free islands, and intensive conservation efforts were launched.
Nests are closely observed 24/7, and eggs are often removed for artificial incubation to ensure the chicks’ survival.
All birds are privy to an annual and complete health check to make sure they are free from parasites and diseases and take blood samples.