This native New Zealand flightless bird is so endangered that there are only 300 of them left in the wild and I was lucky enough to see this one that lives at Zealander where they are protected from non-native predators brought in on ships in the past. This is one of a pair that had one chick before Christmas, but it has since died due to some awful storms. However, these birds mate for life and it is therefore hopeful that they will go on to breed successfully in the near future to help boost the population.
What lovely colours he/she has....love the blues and purples........hope they go on to have lots of babies.....how awful it is that species are still dying out :(
There is one that lives on Tiritiri Matangi, who will steal food out of your rucksack if you leave it lying around. I have only ever seen them in reserves
So glad you are visiting New Zealand - I'm in New Plymouth but that's probably not a place on your visiting schedule. Have a wonderful time down south.
j