The critically endangered kākāpō population has decreased to 241 following the death of a 23-year-old female named Kuihi.
The Department of Conservation’s kākāpō recovery programme announced the death in a post to its Facebook page this morning.
Kuihi had been under veterinary care at Dunedin Wildlife Hospital after routine health checks earlier this year revealed concerning weight loss.
Diagnostic imaging identified “serious abnormalities” in her gastrointestinal tract and abdominal organs.
Despite treatment, her condition worsened, the post read.
“Further investigations revealed disease beyond recovery, meaning euthanasia was sadly the only option.”
Kuihi hatched in 2002 to parents Jean and Sass, and her passing left five living offspring: Awarua, Waihōpai, Hokonui, Ōraka, and Māhutonga.
Kākāpō were native to New Zealand with a life expectancy of up to 90 years old.
The nocturnal, flightless alpine parrot remained on the critically endangered list.