Sirocco ready to wrap up sojourn
AS DAYS grow longer and the weather becomes warmer, Wellington has to bid farewell to Sirocco, New Zealand’s most popular kakapo.
The 18-year-old rare nocturnal bird will finish his winter stay at Zealandia tomorrow and is preparing to return to the wild.
While he has been in Wellington the parrot has been entertaining some of the heights of society, including United States ambassador Mark Gilbert and the Moe Show, a live-action preschool puppet television show.
Zealandia communications and marketing co-ordinator Cameron Hayes says Sirocco has had about 2500 visitors during his stint at the Karori wildlife sanctuary this year.
The bird even captured the attention of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore, who is working on a project featuring endangered species, Hayes says.
‘‘It’s great to see kakapo conservation efforts being recognised on the world stage,’’ he says.
‘‘The biggest highlight has to be seeing people have this awesome experience with Sirocco.
‘‘That’s why he’s here, to give people a chance to connect with our critically endangered species that they might never see otherwise.’’
As for Sirocco’s next trip to Wellington, Hayes says Zealandia wants to host him again, but there may be a bit of a wait because he does not think there will be another trip next year.
Kakapo Advocacy ranger Karen Arnold says Sirocco’s flexibility with travel and adaptability to different environments makes him the perfect advocate for his species, which is so endangered there are only 125 birds. ‘‘He first came to great fame on the short clip [with Stephen Fry] from BBC in 2009,’’ Arnold says.
‘‘That was Sirocco at the time when he was difficult to manage.’’
During the past few years he has worked with an animal trainer from the United States to modify his behaviour, she says.
‘‘Now, when he is on display, he can actually display kakapo behaviour.’’
Due to demand, Zealandia is open for an extra tour each night of Sirocco’s last weekend. Visit visitzealandia.com to book a tour or call 04 920 9213.
Listed internationally as a critically endangered species.
One of the rarest parrots in the world. Are flightless. The world’s heaviest parrot. Found only in New Zealand. Kakapo Recovery hopes to see 25 chicks born this summer, the best breeding season since 2009.
To volunteer with Kakapo Recovery, go to kakaporecovery.org.nz.