Carrying on granddad's work with takahe

Published: 7:08PM Tuesday March 09, 2010

Source: ONE News

Read

Tools: Email Print Text Size

Source: ONE News

The family of one of New Zealand's conservation pioneers is carrying on his work saving the takahe, one of the country's rarest birds.

The late Elwyn Welch began the first captive breeding programme for the rare bird, of which there are only 200 left.

Now two of his descendants have helped two chicks begin the journey from the Tiritiri Matangi sanctuary to their new home at the Burwood Breeding Centre in Te Anau.

Elywn's granddaughter and great granddaughter, Ayoka and Sasha Maya, helped to transport the two new takahe chicks, and were quickly captivated by the flightless bird.

Five-year-old Ayoka decided on the name Elywn for one of the chicks.