DOC Hotline
Bird rescue
Department of Conservation officers or bird rehabilitators with a valid permit are trained to handle native birds. The sooner a bird is given to them, the better its chances of recovery.
What to do if you find a sick or injured kererū?
A kererū on the ground is easy prey for cats and dogs, so please act as quickly as possible. If you hear a thud on your windows, check the ground outside for injured kererū. If you find a dead native bird, contact your local Department of Conservation office.
If you find a band or a bird with a band on its leg, please contact or add sightings here https://app.birdbanding.doc.govt.nz/sightings
Take action
- Have ready a ventilated box with a secure lid around 60 cm long x 30 cm wide x 40 cm deep.
- Quietly approach the bird with an absorbent towel. Use the towel to pick it up, covering its eyes and holding its wings to prevent (further) injury.
- Place the bird in the box on its stomach and shut the lid tightly. DO NOT try to feed or give water.
- Put the box in a dark quiet corner away from pets and children, and immediately contact DOC or if you are in the Wellington area call: THE NEST TE KŌHANGA – at Wellington Zoo ph: 04 381 6755
- If you find an injured kererū in Wellington City including Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt please contact us at Kererū Discovery (DOC authorisation number 100526-FAU) for capture and transport to The Nest at Wellington Zoo. Ph: zero 22 415 9375 or email us
- For a list of New Zealand Bird Rescue Centres click here: www.nzbirds.com/more/centres.html
Support Kererū Discovery
Kererū Discovery is a not for profit organisation connecting people with kererū through citizen science, technology and social media. Our mission is to deliver projects and advice to support the restoration and celebration of indigenous wildlife in towns and cities.
Nature is central to creating liveable cities and cities play an important role in supporting nature. We are proud to be part of a community sharing the kaupapa of the significance of indigenous urban nature, and kaitiakitanga of native wildlife.
100% of all donations help with kererū rescues and transporting to The Nest Te Kōhanga.