Saved kakapo move back to island homes

Two kakapo whose entire species was threatened by a deadly fungal disease are being returned to their island homes today. Nine of the critically-endangered parrots died as a result of a rampant aspergillosis outbreak in April and over 50 were taken to the mainland for treatment - a quarter of the total population. Local vets and volunteers were joined by experts from around the world to try and save the flightless parrot, but no-one knew for sure whether they'd respond to the treatment. But two more kakapo will tomorrow be flown home to Whenua Hou Island at the bottom of the country, and it's hoped the remaining three kakapo still receiving treatment will be home by Christmas. Auckland Zoo's clinical services co-ordinator Mikaylie Wilson spoke to our reporter Matthew Theunissen about what's been a tough but hugely successful operation to save the beloved bird.