THE MOA

New Zealanders can’t quite let go of the famous ‘monster bird’ once inhabiting our forests. Although believed to have died out hundreds of years ago, it seems the moa isn’t ready to say goodbye.

The moa is thought to have become extinct by 1400, although accounts vary as to exactly when it completely disappeared from our forests. Historical reports of very large, unknown birds existed, but once modern science ‘rediscovered’ the giant bird from bone fragments, more encounters with living specimens came to light. From purported photographic evidence to the harvesting of genetic material from preserved egg shells, the ancient moa has kept pace with the times.

“I’m convinced the little scrub moa is still alive. I certainly have evidence of a small colony in the Ureweras...” Rex Gilroy, Natural science researcher 2008

Sightings have been widely spread The two largest species reached a height of 3.6m with neck outstretched January J 20, 1993: Three trampers stop near n a stream in the Harper Valley of the t Craigieburn Range and see a large bird b which they identify as a moa. One of the t men, Paddy Freaney, gives chase and manages m to take three blurry photographs while w pursuing the creature. Mr freaney died d in early 2012 and always maintained the t veracity of his sighting.