Welcome to #WildWork Wednesday! where we share stories of great conservation work being done by our zoo whānau and friends (this could be you!).
This week we catch up with Richard Jakob-Hoff, our Manager of Conservation Science and Research, to discuss his life-long commitment to caring for kākāpō.
Auckland Zoo is closely involved in kākāpō care, treatment and research, with our friends at Department of Conservation’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme, and Richard’s research has formed part of our Wild Work to help this unique and endangered species.
His first meeting with this rare parrot was when kākāpō chick Hoki hatched at Auckland Zoo in 1990, sparking a lifelong passion to learn more about and help the species. As Richard says “there’s no other bird like them in the world…and they’re part of what makes New Zealand, New Zealand!”
Learn more about Richard and his Wild Work at aucklandzoo.co.nz
Less than 30 days ago, I did not know of this bird ! Now it's my favorite ! Kakapo are a beautiful & funny parrot. Thank you for help saving them.
What a lovely story, well told. Nice one, Auckland Zoo. Keep up the great work.
I want to thank Richard for helping our beautiful kapapo birds! #wildwork is a great thing. I am also so sorry about the tiger who died. I miss her too.
What you guys do for these precious birds is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for helping them out! You're my heroes.
Love Richard so much
Thank you Richard. Very Much.
What a good man! His love for theses beautiful birds is so obvious. I hope the population goes up and up, even if it naturally will happen slowly. Kakapos make me smile every time I see a video about them. They are adorable - and larger than I thought they would be.
God bless ya Rich.
Thank you sir for dedicating your live to those beautiful odd birds, I love them.
much love for you guys, great work !
My favorite bird. Great vid guys. Cheers from the states.
Dear Richard, thank-you for all your work with the Kakapo.
Saving Kakapo🤗
What a wonderful heartwarming video! Just love birds, especially parrots n the kakapo is one unique, special and very precious species that needs people like you to do all you can to protect and preserve them...Keep up the wonderfully good work! !😀😀😀
I love kakapo
Fantastic
You know folks kakapos are actually related to parakeets, they’re like a jumbo size cousin of the average size parakeets.
Richard and the plump boi