02/09/2026
A few weeks ago, this beautiful Southern Buller’s Mollymawk arrived at Te Kōhanga, dehydrated and weak from a storm. Thankfully, after some TLC, fluid therapy, nutritional support, and preparation in our salt-water pool, this manu was ready to make its way home!
A shocking 90% of our Seabirds are at risk of extinction. Each Albatross is incredibly important to the breeding population, as they form strong, long-term partnerships with each other and raise single chicks. Being able to save even one bird makes a big difference to the health of their species, which is why days like this are so rewarding to us all.
Since the arrival of Bird Flu in Aotearoa (HPAI H5N1), we are currently still able to accept unwell birds brought to us via Department of Conservation Ministry for Primary Industries, and SPCA New Zealand. If you find a sick or injured bird, please reach out to DOC on 0800 362 468 first and follow their instructions.
If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, avoid contact, record what you see, and report it to MPI’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. You can also report online. From there, they’ll help us get birds to Te Kōhanga ❤️🩹
As always, a huge thank you to our diligent team who go above and beyond to protect our native species, and to NZ Police for helping us to get this Albatross back out on the ocean where it belongs 🌊
📸 Keeper Joel and Maritime New Zealand Police
