- Conservation status
- In serious trouble
Kākāpō have a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders and have won Bird of the Year twice (they were even taken out of the competition to give other birds a fair go one year!).
You could say they are our most exquisitely perfumed bird, though that might depend on your definition of exquisite. One commentator has described kākāpō aroma as "a musky array of essential oils that could come straight from a Middle Eastern perfumier".
We’re all cheering as the rotund, moss parrots waddle back from the brink of extinction. Thanks to an incredible team of dedicated conservationists, the kākāpō population is now at 241 birds with high hopes for the 2026 breeding season.
The kākāpō was even endorsed by Stephen Fry.
Campaign Manager
Chipmunks Tauranga and Rotorua
We are Chipmunks Tauranga and Rotorua, a locally owned indoor playland for children!
We believe it’s important for kids to learn about the native birds of Aotearoa, so this year, we’re excited to be campaigning for Bird of the Year!
Our bird of choice is the kākāpō! One of the most unique and fascinating birds in the world! The kākāpō is a large, flightless, nocturnal parrot found only in New Zealand. With its soft green feathers, owl-like face, and quirky personality, it’s no wonder this rare bird has captured our hearts.
We love the kākāpō because it's curious, brave, and a little bit different, just like the amazing kids who visit our playlands. We want to inspire children to be proud of who they are, explore the world with curiosity, and appreciate the incredible wildlife of Aotearoa.
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