Kokako chicks bring hope of regeneration

For the first time in 60 years kokako chicks have been hatched in the wild at Mt Bruce bird reserve in the Wairarapa.

The two chicks are the offspring of kokako released six months ago.

Once widespread in the lower North Island, the last reported sighting of the birds was in the mid-1940s, says Department of Conservation Wairarapa area manager Derrick Field.

"The arrival of kokako chicks has exceeded all expectations and further reinforces that it is possible to turn the tide and reverse the decline of our native species," Mr Field said.

DoC biodiversity ranger Tony Silberry said the nest came as a pleasant and welcome surprise for all those involved in the project.

Preparation for the release of the birds was a large-scale operation, with more than 5000 pests destroyed to keep the kokako safe.

Last week the kokako chicks experienced human contact for the first time when they were checked, weighed and banded.

Both chicks are in excellent condition.

- NZPA