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Artwork for Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II

Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II

RNZ
Kākāpō
Antarctica
Climate Change
New Zealand
Department Of Conservation
Breeding Season
Scott Base
Whenua Hou
Predator Free 2050
Kākāpō Recovery Programme
Sea Ice
Antarctic Peninsula
Artificial Insemination
Aspergillosis
Bycatch
Aotearoa
Oceans
Marine Reserves
Wandering Albatross
New Zealand Department Of Conservation

The Kākāpō Files podcast is back with what’s set to be the biggest breeding season of all time for the world’s favourite parrot. Monthly episodes from late May 2026.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes66Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Natural SciencesScience

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Artwork for Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II

Latest Episodes

The oldest chick of the 2026 kākāpō breeding season, Tiwhiri-A1 has reached 150 days old and can be officially counted. This milestone increases the kākāpō population by one bird to 236, the first time it has risen in 4 years. The first chicks to rea... more

Six months after this record-breaking kākāpō breeding season began, all 91 living chicks have fledged and left the nest. The chicks remain with their kākāpō mums and are still being fed by them, as well as eating a range of plant material, and as col... more

Half of the chicks from this record-breaking kākāpō breeding season have fledged and left their nests for good, but are still being fed by their mums. The tally of living chicks has dropped to 92 with the death of a chick from Te Kākahu/Chalky Island... more

The tally of confirmed living kākāpō chicks goes down with two further deaths, but gets a welcome boost with the confirmation of a living chick in a previously inaccessible nest. This brings the number of living chicks to 93, ranging in weight from 7... more

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Recent Guests

Louise Porter
Logistics Ranger for Kākāpō Recovery Programme
Department of Conservation (DOC)
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 19 | Kākāpō Goings On
Daryl Eason
Technical Advisor
Kākāpō Recovery Programme, DOC
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 19 | Kākāpō Goings On
Sarah Little
Kākāpō ranger known for nest and breeding updates
DOC Kākāpō Team
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 17 | Kākāpō Adoption Birds
Lydia Udstrom
Veterinary advisor updating on chick health and treatment
Kākāpō Recovery Programme
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 17 | Kākāpō Adoption Birds
Jess Wagner
Kākāpō ranger on Pukinui; manages birds including Jem
DOC Kākāpō Team
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 17 | Kākāpō Adoption Birds
Theo Thompson
Kākāpō ranger providing adoption roundups
DOC Kākāpō Team
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 17 | Kākāpō Adoption Birds
Tanē Davis
Representative on the Kākāpō Recovery Group
Ngāi Tahu / Kākāpō Recovery
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 16 | Kākāpō Chicks Growing Up
Lydia Uddstrom
Veterinary Advisor
DOC
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 16 | Kākāpō Chicks Growing Up
Deidre Vercoe
Operations Manager, Kākāpō Recovery Programme
Department of Conservation
Episode: Kākāpō Files II 14 | Biggest Kākāpō Breeding Season

Host

Alison Balance
Host of Kākāpō Files / The Kākāpō Files

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 53 ratings
  • Best Parrots in the world

    This pod is a lovely companion to the cam and the videos with the cheery Kia Ora greetings. Will keep an eye out for any updates. Hugs to Rakiura and all

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Witch's cat
    Canada2 months ago
  • Champions of nature

    I love the dedication New Zealand has to its unique environment it makes me want to go meet all these animals. The kakapo story is amazing. I hope I can see one someday.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ilovetrash
    United States6 months ago
  • ASMR Excellence

    I love everything about this show. Every season is perfect. Honestly

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    oldjohnhall
    United States9 months ago
  • Kindred Podcast

    Lovely podcast. A calm, quiet meditation on aspects of the Natural world. Mostly quiet 😉

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    otisandroo
    United Statesa year ago
  • Blew my expectations

    Like most people I can appreciate the hard work that conservationist do to keep out wild planet safe for future generations. I was looking for a short podcast for the holiday weekend while my regular scheduled podcast programs come back on Monday. I have to say this was beautiful put together. If you close your eyes you instantly transported to New Zealand with the team of conservationist and the Kākāpō’s they are trying to conserve. I never thought I’d be so into a NatGeo type program with no v... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Echo 2 Golf
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The show blends scientific detail with heartfelt, human stories from field staff.
Listeners appreciate the clear updates on breeding season progress and bird health.
Audience values accurate, inside-baseball updates and behind-the-scenes perspectives from conservation teams.
Production quality and guest expertise are frequently praised, with some callers seeking fresh season updates from on-island teams.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kākāpō Files II 19 | Kākāpō Goings On
Q: What is the current status of vaccination for kākāpō and how is it being implemented?
The vaccine trial showed a safe and effective response across species; the program is being implemented for key breeding populations on Whenua Hou and selectively on other sites, with booster timing and antibody monitoring to determine durability.
Kākāpō Files II 19 | Kākāpō Goings On
Q: From Daryl to answer, what causes Aspergillosis and how can it be managed?
Aspergillosis is mostly caused by inhaling spores from Aspergillus fungi; it is more likely during hot, dry seasons when the environment is drier, and can be managed by maintaining damp, cooler breeding conditions and monitoring birds closely for signs, especially mums and chicks.
Kākāpō Files II 18 | Good Kākāpō Things Take Time
Q: How many chicks are still at Dunedin Wildlife Hospital and what are their conditions?
Two chicks remain at the hospital, one with a suspected skin infection and one with a lame leg; both health issues have been sorted and they're in the weaning phase.
Kākāpō Files II 16 | Kākāpō Chicks Growing Up
Q: How is the vaccination program progressing for the chicks?
Vaccinations against erosypolis have started at key nests like Bukunui and Whanauaho, with a positive track record of preventing past disease-related deaths.
Kākāpō Files II 16 | Kākāpō Chicks Growing Up
Q: What was the most memorable moment of the season so far?
The discovery that the Ongong Nest produced three fertile eggs after initially showing no signs of development, all of which hatched, stood out as a remarkable turn of events.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II

What is Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on one of New Zealand's most famous endangered birds, with a heavy emphasis on breeding season updates, veterinary care, and on-the-ground field reporting. Episodes mix scientific updates on nest counts, egg fertility, and genetics with human-interest stories about rangers, veterinarians, and conservation staff, highlighting technology, artificial insemination, and island logistics that drive the recovery effort. A standout element is the close collaboration with government and research institutions, Ngāi Tahu partners, and on-site clinics, delivering a highly actionable, up-to-date picture of a large-scale conservation program. Potential listeners will find practical takeaways for field operations, media storytelling, and... more

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Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II launched a year ago and published 66 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II?

Recent guests on Wild Sounds: Kākāpō Files II include:

1. Louise Porter
2. Daryl Eason
3. Sarah Little
4. Lydia Udstrom
5. Jess Wagner
6. Theo Thompson
7. Tanē Davis
8. Lydia Uddstrom

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