The kakapo recovery programme has grown the population to over 250 birds — welfare science guides every management decision for this unique flightless parrot with the longest lifespan of any bird.
Kakapo welfare management is arguably the most individualised in conservation. Each bird receives named care, individualised health assessments, and supplementary nutrition timed to reproductive needs. Veterinary interventions including aspergillosis treatment and physical therapy for injured birds are routine. The programme demonstrates that intensive welfare-focused conservation can recover species from the brink. Every individual matters when total population is this small.