Takahe - it's a girl

It's a girl

Now 6 months old and as big as her parents, the young takahe that hatched at Orokonui last October has been determined by DNA testing to be a female. Appropriately named Kotahi (The First) she is the first takahe to be born at the Ecosanctuary. The name Kotahi was chosen by Port Chalmers kindergarten and made public recently after approval by iwi and the Department of Conservation. Kotahi, while being fully grown and with almost adult plumage, is still developing the red colour in her beak and legs.

Julie Baird, head teacher at Port Chalmers kindergarten and pupil Phoenix Geddes-Luskie and his mum visited Kotahi yesterday. Julie said “Phoenix is very interested in takahe and was excited to help with feeding”.

Kotahi was raised by her surrogate parents, Quammen and Paku, who are infertile. They were joined by a fertile pair who live at the bottom of the sanctuary bringing Orokonui’s takahe population to five. The takahe family is readily seen by visitors close to the Visitor Centre at 11am each morning.

ends

© Scoop Media