The last of the kiwi chicks have departed from Cape Kidnappers following a most successful 2017-2018 season.

The development of a new kiwi creche within the sanctuary was partly credited with seeing 28 kiwi chicks make it through the season before being released into the wild.

“The Sanctuary’s kiwi creche allowed us a little more management of the chicks, especially when they first arrived. This allowed them time to settle into the ‘wild’ for the first time. We also had a new team on board who were fantastic and contributed to a really successful season,” says Sanctuary Manager Beau Fahnle.

A huge 866 guests participated in Kiwi Discovery Walks during the 2017-2018 summer season, assisting experienced guides as they carried out essential monitoring of the kiwi chicks.

Proceeds from each of these tours have gone back to the Cape Kidnappers’ Sanctuary to ensure the continuation of their work preserving our native species.

The next season’s kiwi chicks are expected to arrive late September.