More than 115 endangered kakī released into the wild in three-day operation
Over 115 black stilts, an endangered native bird, have been released into the wild as part of a conservation effort.
Black stilts, known as kakī, were reduced to just 23 birds in the wild by 1981. More than five times that number have now been released over three days as part of a conservation programme. The releases mark a significant milestone for efforts to restore the species to its natural habitat.
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Otago Daily Times
‘Highlight’ of the year to see endangered kakī out in the wild ‘where they belong’
Back in 1981 black stilts (kakī) were close to extinction, with only 23 left in the wild.¶Fast forward to 2026 and more than five times that number have been released over three days, Charley-Kai John reports.