Greg the takahe had no fear of people and has been called an unrivalled advocate for policies of conservation. Photo / Jim Eagles
New Zealand's endangered takahe species has lost one of its most famous members - Greg, the patriarch of Tiritiri Matangi.
The 19-year-old bird died at Auckland Zoo while being assessed for health problems yesterday. Although the exact cause of death is unknown, Greg had lost weight and feathers after frequent
run-ins with younger, more assertive takahe vying for territory around the island's lighthouse.
Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi chairman Peter Lee said Greg would be missed.
"Greg was great at engaging the public. He was an expert at winning people over and at times even at stealing their lunch. Wherever there were people Greg was there, he became the personal face of rare species and helped tell the whole conservation story."
Greg was 18 months old when he arrived on the island in 1994, quickly getting down to the crucial job of boosting the country's small takahe population. He became so popular a children's book was written about him.
