Sirocco The Kākāpō Hits The Million

WORKING RELATIONSHIP: Sirocco with Jo Ledington, a Kakapo recovery ranger. Proving size isn't everything, the critically endangered kākāpō population has shown their combined pulling power can draw people in from all over the world, after a Youtube video featuring the now famous Sirocco the kākāpō received more than million hits this weekend.

After his starring performance in the BBC's hit series "Last Chance to See" featuring Stephen Fry and Mark Cawardine, Sirocco the kākāpō has received a huge online following in the UK and beyond.

"Sirocco has always been a bit of a 'character' and has always proved to be very popular with the public who have seen him at special displays," said Department of Conservation media advisor Nic Vallance.

"But this response is like nothing we've ever experienced. His 4000 'friends' on his Facebook page are posting messages of support for kākāpō and particularly the rangers who look after them."

To celebrate the public reaction to kākāpō after Sirocco featured on "Last Chance to See" the Department of Conservation created a Twitter account for him so regular updates could be posted about kākāpō conservation and the kākāpō recovery programme.

"He has more than 2000 Twitter followers who regularly ask questions about kākāpō, conservation in New Zealand, or send images of their own creations that have been inspired by kākāpō," said Vallance.

The Department of Conservation are very new to social media - but it appears the use of blogs, Youtube,Twitter and Facebook has resulted in a genuine connection between people around the world and New Zealand's precious natural heritage - in particular the plight of the critically endangered kākāpō. This connection has been a tangible one too, explains Vallance.

"People have been generous not only with their time but their money in supporting the Kākāpō Recovery Programme. Donations have reached more than three thousand dollars in the past week alone."

"Other individuals and organisations from overseas have been creating jewellery, or selling images inspired by kakapo, to raise money towards kakapo recovery."

One company in particular is selling t-shirts and other merchandise with a kakapo cartoon featured on its products, with thirty per cent of the price going to the Kākāpō Recovery Programme.

The Department of Conservation could not be more pleased both with the ongoing online advocacy of one of our most endangered native birds.

"We have 33 extra kākāpō mouths to feed now, as a result of this year's excellent breeding season," said Vallance.

"It's great to know that people here and all over the world think that our wildlife is precious and worth learning more about - one million viewers can't be wrong," she said.