Skraaaaaark! Today, the world flaps its wings in celebration of World Parrot Day and if you ask New Zealand’s kākāpō, there’s no better time to make it all about them.
One of the planet’s rarest parrots, the kākāpō is a fluffy, flightless, and famously charismatic bird found only in New Zealand. With fewer than 250 individuals alive today, each kākāpō represents decades of tireless conservation work by rangers, scientists, volunteers, and iwi partners.
This year’s celebration carries extra meaning, as one of the most iconic kākāpō marks its 28th hatch day. Born in March 1997, this bird entered a world with just 54 kākāpō left.
Found struggling to breathe as a chick, it was rescued by rangers and given a second chance. The bird not only survived, but helped rangers understand how kākāpō chicks feed and grow insights that would go on to influence recovery practices.
But its early bond with humans caused a twist: the chick imprinted on its rescuers, showing little interest in other kākāpō. That experience led to a turning point in chick management. Today, kākāpō chicks are raised in nests or small groups with their own kind, helping them stay socially and genetically connected to the species.
Now, 28 years later, the same bird remains a symbol of resilience. “There’s still hope that I might join a kākāpō lek and breed one day,” read a cheeky social media post written from the bird’s perspective. “But for now I’m enjoying life on my own. And there’s lots to celebrate! When I hatched, there were just 54 of us. Today, there are 243 kākāpō alive!” The post, paired with a photo by DOC ranger Maddy Whittaker, also marked World Parrot Day with typical kākāpō flair: “The perfect excuse to make it all about me (again).”
The Kākāpō Recovery Program is using the occasion to highlight major strides in their mission. Ongoing health research, the use of advanced technology, and efforts to identify future safe habitats are keeping the momentum strong. “It truly takes a village to protect one of the world’s rarest parrots,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
The program is a joint effort, with support from Treaty Partner Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and National Partner Meridian Energy. Together, they continue to power the long journey of this treasured species, which has become a global symbol of conservation success.
Conservationists are encouraging the public to celebrate by learning more about the kākāpō, supporting conservation initiatives, or simply flapping their arms in solidarity.
World Parrot Day is globally recognized as a time to raise awareness of the threats parrots face from climate change to habitat destruction. But in New Zealand, it’s also a day to reflect on a rare victory.
Each surviving kākāpō is proof of what’s possible when people unite to protect wildlife. And thanks to one bird’s unusual journey from a struggling chick to a feathered icon there’s never been a better time to boom with pride.