Rockstar kakapo’s 2-year exile ends

The world’s most famous kakapo, Sirocco, has been found alive and well on his home island off Fiordland after disappearing for two years.

The flightless parrot, who turns 21 next month, shot to fame in 2009 when he hopped on the head of a zoologist on Codfish Island, apparently trying to mate with the man.

BBC presenter Stephen Fry then uttered the phrase: “Sorry, but this is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. You are being shagged by a rare parrot.”

Sirocco was found again on the island this week by two Department of Conservation rangers after two years off the radar because of a failed transmitter. And it seems he was pretty excited to see ranger Jake Osborne, hopping up on his head too.

Kakapo operations manager Deidre Vercoe said it was great to check in with the famous parrot after his absence.

“While we’ve been out to search for him a few times, we were confident he’d be perfectly happy out there in the wild in his predatorfree home,” she said.

“We did miss him and his quirky personality, though.”

Sirocco imprinted on humans as a chick, after extensive treatment for a respiratory illness. Vercoe said he was still friendly with people and appeared no worse for wear.

The bird has been fitted with a new transmitter so the team can keep track of him.

“We know people will be keen to see him return to public life. However, like a true superstar, any future plans will be on his terms.”

Sirocco has since thrilled tens of thousands of fans during popular live appearances.

He jetted around the country like a rockstar in a customised travel box strapped into a window seat on the plane, so he could look out.

Only 150 kakapo survive on remote islands off coast.