Brave New Wildnerness

In partnership with Orokonui Ecosanctuary.

The remarkable success story behind rescuing two of New Zealand’s species from extinction and establishing a brave new wilderness for them to call home.

Experience New Zealand’s unique landscapes through the stories of the kākāpō, the world’s rarest parrot, and the takahē, a giant mountain swamp-hen once thought to be extinct. Though once widespread, these birds are now absent from almost all their former range, wiped out by land-use change and introduced predators like stoats, rats, and cats.

For half a century, scientists, conservationists, veterinarians and pioneers in the field of conservation have battled to save these birds from extinction. It’s been a rollercoaster ride of successes and failures but today the birds’ populations are increasing. This growth means that today the recovery teams can turn their attention to an even bigger goal, creating a brave new wilderness, and returning these species to the landscapes they once called home.

This is more than a story about saving a species from extinction, it’s about repairing ecosystems and restoring a natural balance.

Tahu Mackenzie, Lead Educator at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, will be a guest speaker for this event, and will give a short talk before the screening.

Restricted to ages 3 and up. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Run time 52 minutes. Tickets are available from the Museum Shop, or online.

Part of the Wild Dunedin Film Festival.
Perpetual Guardian Planetarium