Grab your flashlights and hiking boots, explorers! Today, Aimee is taking us deep into the beautiful ferns and forests of New Zealand to meet a parrot that is completely unlike any other bird on Earth.

In this episode, we’re quietly tracking the mossy-green Kākāpō. You’ll learn:

• The Grounded Parrot: Discover why the Kākāpō is the only parrot in the entire world that cannot fly, and how they use their super-strong legs to hike and climb trees instead!
• Whiskers in the Dark: Learn why they are Nocturnal (sleeping all day and waking up at night) and how they use special, sensitive whiskers around their beaks to feel their way through the dark woods.
• The Booming Dance Party: Find out all about Lek Breeding—a super rare and funny way that male kakapos gather together to make loud "booming" sounds (that can be heard for miles!) and dance to impress the females.
• Master of Disguise: Hear how their beautiful green and brown feathers help them blend perfectly into the forest floor so they don't get spotted.
• Protecting a Treasure: Learn why these special birds are Critically Endangered and the amazing things scientists and conservationists are doing to help them survive and grow their families.

Get ready to trek through the dark woods and listen for the booming calls of this heavy, wonderful, and strange parrot!

Kākāpōs are Critically Endangered, but their habitat faces detrimental changes due to pollution.

If you are interested in helping Kākāpōs, consider supporting:

The NZ Kākāpō Recovery Program

Thank you for listening!

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