What is a Takahē and why is it rare in New Zealand?

Takahē are large, flightless native birds of New Zealand. Once thought extinct, they were rediscovered in 1948 and are now critically endangered, with only about 500 remaining due to habitat loss and introduced predators.

What is Zealandia and its role in conservation?

Zealandia is a fully fenced urban eco-sanctuary near Wellington, New Zealand, dedicated to restoring a forest ecosystem. It provides a safe haven for native species like the Takahē, protecting them from introduced predators.

Why is the hatching of a Takahē chick considered a miracle?

The recent chick hatched from a pair of Takahē that conservationists believed were infertile and not expected to breed. Its unexpected arrival is a significant boost for the species' survival.

Home / Environment / Miracle Chick Hatches: Rare Takahē defy odds in NZ

Miracle Chick Hatches: Rare Takahē defy odds in NZ

21 Dec

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Summary

A rare Takahē chick, believed to be infertile, has hatched at Zealandia.
The chick is the first offspring from a pair thought incapable of breeding.
This event boosts the critically endangered Takahē population, now at 500.

Miracle Chick Hatches: Rare Takahē defy odds in NZ

A rare Takahē chick, the first from a pair believed to be infertile, has hatched at Zealandia, a sanctuary near Wellington, New Zealand. This surprising arrival, discovered in November, brings renewed hope for the critically endangered flightless bird, with only around 500 takahē remaining. The chick's parents, Bendigo and Waitaa, arrived two years ago and did not breed successfully in 2024, leading staff to expect no offspring.

Conservation staff at Zealandia were astonished when they discovered the chick, confirming its existence via a trail camera after hearing faint cheeping. The chick, currently in its "dinosaur phase" with disproportionately large legs and a developing beak, is being doted on by its parents. Its presence is invaluable to the species' long-term survival, especially given the vulnerability of native New Zealand birds to introduced predators.