Kaka Frenzy at Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

In the midst of Wellington City is Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. New Zealand stood alone from the rest of the world for 85 million years. The only native land-mammal is the short and long-tailed bat (peka peka). Bird life used to be prolific and only on offshore islands, now cleared of introduced predators, can people get a glimpse into the past. But, thanks to a feat of incredible engineering and millions of dollars of predator proof fence, a sanctuary has been created on the mainland.

A 500-year plan is working to restore the land encircled by this fence to how it used to be. Already bird life is flourishing, as well as wetland habitats providing a home to endangered New Zealand frogs. The incredible Weta and Tuatara also have a protected home within the bounds of the sanctuary.

People come from all round the world to see this incredible plan in motion. Hundreds of volunteers help to restore the flora which the fauna depends upon. It is a wonderful, living exhibit of people putting right the wrongs of the past.

We always enjoy rewarding visits to the Sanctuary, but this Sunday morning was particularly special since our dear friend Lucy (aka Aunty Lulu to the girls!) joined us and we were treated to the sightings of the North Island Robin, North Island Kaka and Saddleback.

Kaka at the feeding station: