Christmas comes early for kākāpō

22 December 2010

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.

ENDS

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