17 June 2008

Recent takahe arrival to Pukaha Mt Bruce dies

One of two recent Takahe arrivals to Wairarapa’s Pukaha Mount Bruce wildlife centre has died. The two Takahe were recently transferred to Pukaha from Mana Island.

One of the birds suddenly took ill over the weekend and was rushed to the New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre at Palmerston North’s Massey University. Despite receiving the best possible treatment at the centre, the bird subsequently died.

DOC’s Wairarapa Area manager Chris Lester said the birds were administered routine worming medications on arrival at Mount Bruce last week as part of the transfer protocol. This procedure resulted in an adverse reaction.

“As soon as the abnormal reaction was noticed the bird was rushed directly to the Wildlife Health Centre for treatment.”

Mr Lester said staff and volunteers were saddened by the news of the bird’s death.

“I support my team in their species work. They are passionate about the long-term recovery of native birds, doing the best they can to achieve exceptional success. However, there are inherent risks involved with this type of work and this time we were unfortunate.

The National Wildlife Centre at Pukaha Mt Bruce was established following Elwyn Welch’s work in breeding takahe in 1962. Takahe are no longer bred at the centre but two birds are held at Mount Bruce enabling visitors to the centre to appreciate these beautiful and rare birds.

ENDS

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