Can you help support the welfare of native parrots? Multiple kākā and kea at Dunedin Botanic Gardens Aviaries are showing Abnormal Repetitive Behaviours. Dunedin City Council and management refuse to acknowledge and address concerns that were raised over a year ago, and these issues persist.

At the centre of the welfare concerns are Charlie Girl Kākā, an older arthritic parrot who was taken from her home of 24 years in Te Anau to join the 'breeding program' at Dunedin. But Charlie isn't doing well, and neither are the other parrots. Out of 8 breeding pairs last season, the Dunedin facility had only 2 chicks. They should have 4-5 chicks per pair!

We need volunteers to go in the evenings (or very early morning) and document concerning behaviours and do welfare checks on Charlie Girl. Charlie is arthritic and showing concerning behaviours, documented in a welfare report: Weaving from the ceiling, Obsessive toe grooming, Freezing in an unusual posture from the side wires, Wire biting, Hiding in the corners, and Fleeing from the aggressive male she is being kept with.

Other birds are pacing, across perches and metal bars, and flying back and forth. Some birds slam into the walls repetitively, and others wire bite. These are all distress behaviours that are not being addressed.

We are exploring legal options to help Charlie but need people who are in Dunedin to look in on her and the other birds. Can you help make a difference?

Koha can be provided for transportation if needed. Additional details will be provided so you can identify Charlie and understand the concerning behaviours.