About this episode
This episode discusses the latest updates on kākāpō chicks and the challenges they face during the breeding season.
Half of the chicks from this record-breaking kākāpō breeding season have fledged and left their nests for good, but are still being fed by their mums. The tally of living chicks has dropped to 92 with the death of a chick from Te Kākahu/Chalky Island. Veterinary advisor Lydia Uddstrom reports that a 4-year-old female is being treated for cloacitis, a mysterious infection with no known cause that has infected a number of birds in the past few years. Kākāpō rangers give potted histories and breeding season updates for nine birds that are part of a symbolic adoption programme. Send any Kākāpō Files questions and comments to kakapo@rnz.co.nz. In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Vet Lydia Uddstrom with island news 06:24 - Adult female Tōrua treated for cloacitis 11:20 - Adoption birds 13:22 - JEM breeding season update 15:57 - Marama breeding season update 18:14 - Waikawa breeding season update 21:28 - Nora breeding season update 24:24 - Bluster Murphy breeding season update 27:05 - Sinbad breeding season update 29:55 - Kuia breeding season update 32:48 - Rahotu breeding season update 35:05 - Rangi rediscovered 37:50 - Closing credits Learn more: Follow the Kākāpō Files…
People in this episode
Host: RNZ
Topics covered
- kākāpō breeding
- wildlife conservation
- animal health
- adoption program
- veterinary care
Keywords
- kākāpō
- breeding season
- veterinary care
- cloacitis
- adoption birds
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Te Kākahu/Chalky Island, North Island, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
More episodes of Kākāpō Files II
- Kākāpō Chicks Growing Up · May 4, 2026 · 34 min
- Kākāpō Island Diary · April 20, 2026 · 36 min
- Biggest Kākāpō Breeding Season · April 2, 2026 · 33 min
- Kākāpō Birth Notices · March 23, 2026 · 30 min
- Lots of Kākāpō Babies · March 9, 2026 · 31 min
- Kākāpō Baby Boom · February 23, 2026 · 21 min
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