Another Chance To See: KAKAPO PARROTS - New Zealand's Bird of the Year?

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In the late 1980s, Douglas Adams, creator of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", and zoologist Mark Carwardine visited endangered animals around the world, hoping it would not be their "Last Chance To See". A BBC radio series and book followed, and for 2008 Stephen Fry is filming a TV series sequel, also with Mark Carwardine.
Compiled by Gareth Suddes

New Zealand's Stuff has news of this year's New Zealand Bird of The Year competition. Voting at the Forest and Bird website runs till October 14th 2006, with the endangered Kakapo Parrot in contention as always.

Forest and Bird advocacy manager Kevin Hackwell said he expected a tight race.

'New Zealand has so many wonderful native birds that are all unique and special in their own way. We are lucky that we have so many worthy contenders to choose from.'

Last year's winner was the tui. This year it was looking to be a difficult choice with VIP voters selecting a wide range of birds, he said.

Prime Minister Helen Clark went for Sirocco, the kakapo, after being moved by seeing him in his natural habitat on Ulva Island.

Full story at Stuff.co.nz

Labels: Kakapo Parrots