These kākāriki were once found in many parts of the South Island. Today they are nationally endangered, with a total population of 200-400 birds.

Orange-fronted kākāriki have been bred in captivity and released on several pest-free islands.

Nesting high in beech trees, they feed mainly on seeds. When the beech trees 'mast', producing plenty of seeds, these kākāriki thrive. Unfortunately, rats and stoats also benefit, eating the seeds and the kākāriki.

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Meet two precious Orange-fronted kākāriki chicks!

These kākāriki are critically endangered in New Zealand, which is why our bird team are doing their bit to hand-rear two 35-day-old chicks in need.

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Orange-fronted kākāriki hatch

When a pair of non-breeding orange-fronted kākāriki moved to the Zoo, no one was more ecstatic than team leader of birds Emma when five chicks hatched!

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Thank you to our friends at Charlies Drinks who are helping with our Orange-fronted kākāriki programme!