New Zealand moved every surviving kakapo to predator-free islands after cats and stoats pushed the flightless parrot toward extinction; decades later, the entire species is still being managed bird by bird

The kakapo, a unique flightless parrot, faced extinction due to introduced predators. Conservationists moved all surviving birds to predator-free islands for intensive management. Each kakapo is individually monitored and cared for, with detailed medical and genetic records kept. Breeding occurs infrequently, requiring careful human intervention and monitoring of nests. Decades of dedicated efforts have led to a significant recovery for this remarkable species.