Kakapo to be shown to public

A kakapo called Sirocco is to be shown to members of the public on Ulva Island in August, the first time the endangered bird has gone on public display.

Demand is expected to be high as one of the least viewed animals on Earth goes on public display in New Zealand for the first time.

The kakapo is critically endangered and has been confined to New Zealand island sanctuaries without public access, leaving the public with only brief glimpses as the birds are occasionally moved around.

But the Ulva Island Charitable Trust, in conjunction with the Department of Conservation, plans to change that.

One of the 86 remaining flightless parrots will be taken from his Codfish Island home to Ulva Island for selected visitors to view from late August. Both islands are close to Stewart Island.

"This is almost the holy grail of native species," said trust spokesman Dil Belworthy. "The kakapo is such a charismatic animal, it has a huge impact on people. Quite commonly people are reduced to tears when they see a kakapo."

Mr Belworthy said Stewart Islanders and Southlanders would be given priority to see the bird, a hand-reared male named Sirocco, known for his love of human interaction and for being a handful for his human carers.

The opportunity to see Sirocco will eventually be advertised nationwide and big demand is expected.

It is hoped the public viewing will increase awareness of the kakapo's plight and build support for the breeding programmes.

"At the same time we will be proudly showcasing Ulva Island itself, and in particular the huge gains that have been made since rats were removed almost 10 years ago," Mr Belworthy said.

"The level of success in conservation programmes with the kakapo, and on Ulva Island, give us great hope in the potential for restoring New Zealand's unique natural heritage."

A small cost to view the kakapo would cover the transport to the island and the infrastructure for showing off the bird.