Adopt a kākāpō: Special edition

Special edition adoption

The Solstice special edition adoption is available for a limited time. Pre-orders close 21 July 2024.

This offer is in addition to our regular adoptions that will open for orders ahead of Christmas.

Note: All special edition pre-orders will be processed on 31 July. Allow up to 4 weeks (New Zealand) or 8 weeks (international) for delivery.

Solstice - Celestial Star

Discovered:  21 June 1997 on Rakiura/Stewart Island
Named after: Her discovery date (the shortest day of the year) winter solstice

Solstice is one of the founders of the current kākāpō population. She was the last kākāpō found on Rakiura/Stewart Island and was promptly moved to predator-free Codfish Island/Whenua Hou. Here, she became the only kākāpō ever to lay three clutches in one breeding season, earning herself the affectionate nickname ‘Egg Cannon’.

As matriarch of the ‘Celestial dynasty’ she has important genetics passed on to 29 living descendants, many with celestial-themed names.

Solstice is one of the largest female kākāpō, often weighing 2kg even without supplementary feeding in breeding seasons. Her exact age is unknown, but she is at least 30 years old and probably much older.

Solstice also has special significance for producing the first ever chick via artificial insemination in 2009, Rā.

Special edition Solstice adoption postage pack

Kākāpō soft toy sizes

There are three levels to choose from which influence the size of the soft toy kākāpō.

• Bronze – $125 (12cm)
• Silver – $250 (22cm)
• Gold – $500 (33cm)

These prices are in New Zealand dollars. 

Solstice postage pack includes:

1x soft toy kākāpō with Solstice name tag
1x adoption certificate
1x Solstice cartoon by Sarah Maybe Little
3x Solstice stickers by Sarah Maybe Little
3x Solstice bookmarks
3x kākāpō Recovery supporter stickers

Sarah Maybe Little Solstice sticker

You will also get an email update about your adopted kākāpō and news from the Kākāpō Recovery programme.

Pre-order your special edition Solstice adoption pack

Note: Special edition certificates are not personalised. Adoptions are valid for a 12-month period and are symbolic, non-exclusive and do not entitle you to ownership of the birds. Adoptions are non tax-deductible.

Closing date and postage timeframes

The Solstice special edition adoption is available for a limited time only. Pre-orders close 21 July 2024.

All special edition pre-orders will be processed on 31 July. Please then allow up to 4 weeks (New Zealand) or 8 weeks (international) for delivery.

Contact

For further enquiries please contact us at kakapoadoptions@doc.govt.nz.