Sirocco: NZ's conservation spokesbird
Sirocco may be covered in feathers but there’s nothing flighty about the world’s first official ‘spokesbird’ for conservation.
Since the young flightless parrot - a member of the rare kakapo family - first came to international attention in an international television appearance, Sirocco has become one of New Zealand’s best known natives.
He’s been called away from his island sanctuary to make appearances on the mainland, accepted an official government appointment as ‘spokesbird’ for conservation, taken to online blogging and is on first name terms with NZ Prime Minister John Key.
And, while Sirocco made his name displaying some rather inappropriate behaviour during filming of the BBC’s Last Chance to See documentary series, there’s also a serious side to his work.
Indigenous choir
More than just a pretty face, Sirocco’s other attributes include a strong voice and personable nature.
Recently Sirocco became an official member of a New Zealand-wide band known as SAVE - the Society of Avian Vocal Entertainers.
Made up of millions of indigenous vocalists, SAVE plays every day of the week - morning and early evening - at live, free admission, open-air concerts right throughout the country.
The unique music, which also features on Radio New Zealand daily, is often referred to as "the dawn chorus" and was described as "deafening" by Captain Cook when he discovered New Zealand.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has recorded key members of SAVE and is suggesting the chorus, available on the DOC website and blog, be played during the 2011 Rugby World instead of the All Blacks singing the national anthem.
Sirocco describes his contribution to the music as "beatbox" with freestyle rap and excerpts like: "I’m like Skrraaaark. I hang in national paaaarks, you might’ve seen me humpin’ the head of this guy named Maaaark..."
Unique wildlife species
Aside from musical engagements, one of Sirocco’s recent gigs was International Biodiversity Day - celebrated throughout New Zealand to highlight the conservation work being carried out to ensure the continued survival of the country’s 3000 unique species of wildlife and plants.
Sirocco also shocked conservation workers recently by proving that kakapo can swim. Many, who had never seen a parrot swim and didn’t believe it was possible, were speechless when Sirocco ran along a jetty and plunged into the water below.
"Marine activities are a way of life in this country of ours ... New Zealand offers some of the most unique diving experiences in the world. Did you know that the world’s largest sea cave can be found in New Zealand’s Poor Knights Islands?" says Sirocco.
Facebook and Twitter
Since being appointed official DOC spokesbird, Sirocco has not only brought world recognition to the plight of his species but also many others in New Zealand that are also endangered.
Sirocco has his own Facebook and Twitter accounts, and his regular posts with video and photographic updates have a strong following.
Curriculum Vitae: Sirocco
Role: Official New Zealand "spokesbird for conservation"
Home: Maud Island, sometimes Codfish Island, in southern New Zealand. Occasionally transient but under strict protection of NZ Conservation Department.
Background: Son of ‘Zephyr’. Suffered a respiratory illness at three weeks old, and was hand-raised - the first male kakapo to be cared for in such a way. Sirocco has grown up more at home with humans than birds.
Personal attributes: Handsome, groomed, personable nature, hard-worker and a good performer. Strong booming voice and good on-camera presence. Excellent night vision.
Special features: Belongs to a rare species unique to New Zealand. World’s heaviest parrot breed which is able to store large amounts of energy as body fat. Flightless but good at tree climbing.
Marital status: Questionable / partner preference non-gender specific.
Education: Little formal education but a natural in the wild. Copes with a variety of social situations. Multi-lingual and able to speak on a number of conservation matters.
Work experience:
- Summer 2006 - first public engagement was a three-month posting on Ulva Island off the southern coast of New Zealand. Appearances at dusk with Ulva Island Trust’s ‘Kakapo Encounter’. On-going role.
- September 2009 - flies to the North Island for guest appearances at Auckland Zoo to celebrate Conservation Week and educate the public on the plight of the kakapo.
- October 2009 - celebrity slot on BBC series Last Chance to See, co-starring with Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine. YouTube clip of Sirocco getting "up close and personal" with Carwardine had more than 700,000 views in just one week.
- Currently employed as NZ spokesbird for conservation - advocating for kakapo on Facebook and Twitter.
Leisure interests: Singing, exercise, dining on roots, leaves and fruit. Enjoys ‘booming’ and making loud mating calls but unlikely to take time off work for personal pursuits as would only be interested in breeding every three to four years.
More information
Sirocco appointed spokesbird on conservation
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