On Valentine's Day, a heartwarming event took place that gives us hope for the future of one of the world's most critically endangered species: the first kākāpō chick in four years hatched, marking a significant milestone in the long and challenging journey to save these unique birds. But here's where it gets even more remarkable—this tiny chick, fostered by kākāpō Yasmine from biological mother Tīwhiri, brings the total kākāpō population to 237, though it won't officially join the count until it fledges.
Deidre Vercoe, DOC Operations Manager for kākāpō and takahē, describes this moment as both exciting and crucial. “These birds are exceptionally rare and only breed every 2–4 years, so each chick is a precious addition,” she explains. “This season, we have more breeding-age birds than ever before, so we’re hopeful for many more chicks to come.”
And this is the part most people miss: fostering eggs and chicks between different kākāpō mothers is a strategic move to boost nest success rates. “Kākāpō mothers typically thrive when raising no more than two chicks,” Deidre notes. “Tīwhiri already has four fertile eggs this season, while Yasmine, an experienced foster mother, had none. This approach ensures the best outcomes for both mothers and chicks.”
Despite these efforts, kākāpō face significant challenges. Low hatching success remains a major hurdle. This season, out of 187 eggs, only 74 are fertile, and not all of those will hatch or survive to fledging. “The population once plummeted to just 51 birds, creating a genetic bottleneck we’re still managing today,” Deidre adds. “Kākāpō are among the most intensively managed species globally, and with numbers still so low, each breeding season requires careful intervention.”
Here’s where it gets controversial: the team prioritizes eggs and chicks with less representation in the gene pool, while taking a more hands-off approach with those that are well-represented. “This helps us understand what a natural breeding season might look like one day,” Deidre explains. But does this level of human intervention risk altering the species’ natural evolution? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For Ngāi Tahu, the hatching of this chick on Pukenui Anchor Island holds special significance. Tāne Davis, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu representative on the Kākāpō Recovery Group, emphasizes the island’s role as a sanctuary. “Pukenui Anchor Island is vital not just for kākāpō but for other critically endangered species,” he says. “While it’s inspiring to see these birds thriving in a predator-free environment, we must continue creating safe havens for future generations.”
Looking ahead, one of Ngāi Tahu’s aspirations is to return kākāpō to their original home through initiatives like Predator Free Rakiura. Until then, the best way to witness these birds is through Kākāpō Cam, a live stream from the nest of Rakiura on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island. First trialed in 2022, the camera offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these elusive birds. “It’s a fantastic way for people to engage with conservation in real time,” Deidre says.
Rakiura is currently incubating two eggs, with the first expected to hatch in about a week. If successful, this could mark a world-first opportunity for viewers to watch a kākāpō chick hatch live.
The Kākāpō Recovery Programme has been supported since 2016 by National Partner Meridian Energy. CEO Mike Roan reflects on the partnership: “It’s a privilege to support DOC during this remarkable period of growth. Every chick is a milestone, and we’re honored to help these incredible birds thrive for generations.”
Since 1995, DOC and Ngāi Tahu have worked tirelessly to rebuild the kākāpō population from just 51 birds (31 males, 20 females). The 2022 breeding season saw a record high of 252 birds, and this season marks the 13th in 30 years—a testament to the species’ slow breeding cycle. With 236 adults alive today, each equipped with a radio transmitter to monitor their activity, the journey is far from over.
Breeding populations are currently located on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, Pukenui/Anchor Island, and Te Kāhaku/Chalky Island. As we celebrate this Valentine’s Day chick, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we need to go.
What do you think? Is the level of human intervention in kākāpō conservation justified, or does it risk altering their natural evolution? Share your thoughts below!
