They have two aviaries of Orange-fronts, one of Red-crowns, and none of Yellow-crowns. I had a hard time spotting them too - they were all sitting very quietly doing nothing and extremely hard to see. In fact, I only found this guy because he was quietly chirrupping to himself and I was able to triangulate his position. In contrast, all the Kakarikis I've seen in captivity in Australia have been very active, running and climbing around cages and aviaries and chattering noisily to each other.
most of the orange-fronted kakariki in captivity are at Peacock Springs in Christchurch (not open to the public), which runs the National Recovery Programme for the species. The ones at Mt.Bruce came from there last year. I've seen them previously at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens aviaries but they don't house them any more. Auckland Zoo is hoping to get them for Te Wao Nui. Most of breeding at Peacock Springs is for wild release (eg they have been established on Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds and Mayor Island off Tauranga)
If I'd known they were that uncommon in captivity I would have probably spent more time at the aviary. Unfortunately, I was more focused on Takahe and White Kiwis.
most of the orange-fronted kakariki in captivity are at Peacock Springs in Christchurch (not open to the public), which runs the National Recovery Programme for the species. The ones at Mt.Bruce came from there last year. I've seen them previously at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens aviaries but they don't house them any more. Auckland Zoo is hoping to get them for Te Wao Nui. Most of breeding at Peacock Springs is for wild release (eg they have been established on Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds and Mayor Island off Tauranga)
