Ground-breaking surgery on newly hatched kakapo!

[Betrisher]

This popped up on a group I belong to: I thought I'd share for those who are interested.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05...KKl9jfE3to9JhYKQLkMJHsBBvq-nnjeaqFmbX0RgDYD_0

 

[Amsterdam]

There are only 144 kakapos left in existence,

Wow! Its sad these beautiful creatures are struggling to survive they are so fascinating, i really hope that over the years they will grow in numbers.

 

[Betrisher]

I was floored to read there are only 144 of them left! Whoever the brilliant soul was that thought to try breeding them on offshore islands, away from introduced predators like cats and foxes (and - koffkoff - the Australian Brush-tailed Possum) deserves a medal!

 

[Allee]

Thanks for posting this incredible little chick’s amazing story, Trish. I hope the island breeding program is successful.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Wow that is amazing. Good luck little chick!

 

[Scott]

I recall hearing of this amazing story, Trish. Thanks for posting!! Certainly helps raise awareness for the plight of critically endangered species.

 

[Cardinal]

I was floored to read there are only 144 of them left! Whoever the brilliant soul was that thought to try breeding them on offshore islands, away from introduced predators like cats and foxes (and - koffkoff - the Australian Brush-tailed Possum) deserves a medal!

Betrisher

The name of this "Brilliant" Soul is Don Merton . You can read more about this amazing Human Being in this article . Hope you enjoy.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michae...oved-birds-don-merton-1939-2011/#4158244627a0

Quote "The legendary New Zealand ornithologist, Don Merton, died on April 11th (2011). He is remembered by scientists, the New Zealand public and birdwatchers around the world for having exemplified what the poet William Blake (and one of his noteworthy followers, Albert Schweitzer) must have meant when Blake wrote, “A robin redbreast in a cage, Puts all Heaven in a rage.” Merton saved some keynote (or “flagship”) species from extinction, including the only flightless parrot in the world, New Zealand's endemic Kakapo, as well as New Zealand's Chatham Island Black Robin." Unquote

 

[Ellie777Australia]

Trish, thank you for enlightening us on the plight of the kakapo and the incredible surgery to save this chick.


Cardinal, thank you for the link to the "Brilliant" Soul Don Merton.