Auckland Zoo’s orange-fronted parakeet pair have hatched five little chicks and they're growing up fast.
Team leader of birds Emma Wells was able to capture a couple of photos while checking on the chicks.
The parents are an older pair transferred from The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust. This is the first time critically endangered orange-fronted parakeets have been bred outside of the trust, which to date has been the only captive breeding facility globally for this extremely rare parrot.
These little kākāriki were once found in many parts of the South Island, but are now nationally endangered with only 200 to 400 left in the wild. The arrival of these chicks is great for their species.
Council-controlled organisation Regional Facilities Auckland manages major regional facilities and iconic venues across Auckland, including Auckland Zoo.
