‘My lovely distraction’: live stream of kākāpō Rakiura and her chicks draws global viewers

On an island in New Zealand’s remote southern fjords, a hidden black-and-white camera has been broadcasting one of the world’s strangest parrots, the kākāpō, as she cares for a tiny chick. Through the lens a fluffy orb with a kazoo-like squeak jostles for food from its mother’s beak; Rakiura scoops the chick under her large green wings, fends off an intruding bird and periodically tidies her nest.

Since the Department of Conservation launched the live stream in mid-January, more than 100,000 people have tuned in, including viewers from the United Kingdom, Finland and Germany. A chat forum attached to the stream buzzes with fans who monitor every moment, congratulate the mother and offer name suggestions.

Rakiura has already had three chicks hatch, and at any given time there are more than 100 people watching her, even as she sleeps for hours on end.

New Zealand, southern fjords

kākāpō, rakiura, live stream, conservation, new zealand, wildlife camera, kākāpō chick, nest, global viewers, chat forum