Kākā have been released
🌿 A special milestone at the sanctuary on the 28th April 2026 as we celebrated the release of the three kākā into the forest. The three kākā have been given names by Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō 🌿Rotopōhueroa – Female 🌿Rotomairewhenua – Male 🌿Rotoroa – Male These birds are part of a South Island kākā breeding programme and have now taken their first flight from their temporary aviary into their new home — another important step in our species reintroduction efforts. If you’re in the Brook area and hear their distinctive call, or catch a glimpse of olive-brown in the canopy, take a moment to appreciate it. We’d also love to hear about any sightings from the community.
Keep watching, as there may be opportunities to see the kākā coming and going from the aviary. The hatch has been left open so they can move freely until the next three kākā are due to arrive around mid-May. This release was made possible through collaboration with Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Department of Conservation, Natureland Zoo, World Parrot Trust, and Nelson City Council.