Christmas comes early for kākāpō

Christmas has come early for kākāpō this year as the Animal Health Board
(AHB) has funded the purchase of a generator to be used during the breeding
season on Anchor Island.

The generator will be essential to the success of the first kākāpō breeding
season on Anchor Island as it will power the incubation and hand rearing
facility.

Department of Conservation acting Programme Manager Kākāpō Ron
Moorhouse said the generous donation is a fantastic contribution to Kākāpō
Recovery.

“It is vital that we have a generator on Anchor and this donation has allowed
us to purchase one,” Mr Moorhouse said.

“This is the first breeding season on Anchor Island and will be the first
time in living memory of having kākāpō breed in Fiordland so it’s a really
exciting time.”

The AHB raised the funds for the generator at its annual staff charity auction
this month and Chief Executive William McCook said it is a privilege to
support the Kākāpō Recovery programme as it works to bring the species
back from the brink of extinction.

“Our annual staff charity auction is a popular fundraiser and this year we
topped $5,000 for the first time,” Mr McCook said.

“The amount raised this year speaks volumes for our employees’ strong
conservation values and delight at being associated with the Kākāpō
Recovery programme.”

Mr McCook said the donation to Kākāpō Recovery was an excellent fit as
the AHB’s bovine tuberculosis pest control work generates complementary
biodiversity benefits for native flora and fauna in New Zealand.

NZAS General Manager Ryan Cavanagh said the Kākāpō Recovery
partnership is very grateful and delighted to see another organisation take an
interest in this important conservation programme.