Two lawyers, six veterinarians! We are pursuing legal action against DOC over welfare concerns for Charlie Girl Kākā.
DOC failed Charlie Girl Kākā. We won't! Support our legal fund and help #BringCharlieGirlHome
Dunedin, Otago
Nearly a year ago, DOC removed Charlie Girl from her home of 24 years at the Punanga Manu o Te Anau, the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.
Within an hour of release at the Dunedin breeding mill, Charlie began to weave in distress- swaying back and forth while hanging from the ceiling.
Charlie had already endured significant trauma, from being hit by a car to living in a confined space that made it difficult for her to adapt to change. Given her past, we strongly believe she should not have been subjected to the stress of relocating, as it could further impact her well-being.
We are pursuing legal action and need your help.
MPI requested an Independent Welfare Report for Charlie Girl.
Key points from the report:
*Charlie's move to Dunedin triggered a return of her weaving and other abnormal repetitive behaviors that indicated distress.
*These behaviors and their frequency were cause for concern.
*If Charlie were to stay in Dunedin, the best way to help her would be to stabilize her environment and recreate the Te Anau sanctuary in Dunedin, an impossible task.
We need your help to return Charlie to her caring community and her sanctuary home.
Please donate to Charlie's legal fund.
Use of funds
We will use the funds on obtaining legal consultation for Charlie and professional consultations to support this process. Any leftover fees will be used to improve welfare standards for Charlie and other native parrots, particularly those showing abnormal repetitive behaviors. This may include behavioral vet consultations for Charlie and enrichment such as foraging toys.
Other page links
Latest update
Charlie Girl Kākā caught up in a failing SI Kākā breeding program, international parrot welfare vet writes critical letter. 25 November 2025
Not only is Charlie Girl STILL showing a high level of Abnormal Repetitive Behaviours at the Dunedin breeding facility, but Dunedin only had 2 chicks from 8 pairs last breeding season.
We're not surprised. Many kākā and kea can be seen pacing at Dunedin, and their welfare has been ignored. Furthermore, DOC contradicted findings in Charlie's Independent Welfare Report. DOC and DCC have ignored concerns and multiple welfare issues, and this means nearly 90% of kākā at Dunedin aren't well and can't be successful parents.
But now Dr. Jan Hooimeijer, international parrot welfare veterinarian who has toured with Dr Irene Pepperberg, has looked at Charlie's case and the Dunedin breeding program and he is disappointed by their failures.
Dr Jan reviewed official documents, photos, and videos.
He concluded:
*Moving Charlie (and other kākā) from Te Anau to Dunedin was NOT in the best interests of these parrots, nor did it benefit the SI Kākā breeding program.
*It was NOT appropriate for Dunedin to confiscate Charlie from Te Anau in an attempt to fix existing reproductive problems at Dunedin.
*The attempt to involve Charlie in the breeding program in Dunedin has created
predictable, serious behavior-welfare problems for Charlie.
*Charlie should return to Te Anau.
Charlie's lawyers will release Dr Jan's letter soon, along with their own letter.
You can help! Share this fundraiser and ask your friends to Give A Little. We're still fighting for Charlie, and your support matters!
Latest donations
<3 Thank you for your support and much love to you and your flock! With your support, we'll keep fighting so Charlie can be home and happy again!
Thank you, Karen, for your kind words and your generous support. People like you make a difference for Charlie <3
Thank you so much for your support, Jenny. It is much appreciated <3
Thank you so much, Carol, for your support. Your long association with Charlie helped her heal and be in a wonderful place. That success meant she could bond with Bling and raise so many chicks for release over the years. She deserves to return home to Te Anau, where she was loved by you and yours.
Thank you Diyon for your support and your kind words. We wish managers had the same empathy for Charlie and other kākā parrots that you do <3
Who's involved?
Help Fundraise
You can create your own page to help fundraise for this cause.Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.