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
DOC mediation for Charlie Girl Kākā in February 28 January 2026
Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful support and for continuing to donate and spread the word.
Just a short update that mediation is still planned for February, which is just around the corner. We will have some strategy meetings with the lawyers before mediation, and discuss some related concerns and threads that need to be addressed for other native parrots.
We're also extending the fundraiser deadline so people can continue to support Charlie's legal fees. Every dollar is a vote of support for Charlie and for positive outcomes for her welfare. Please again share our fundraiser on social media, via email, etc. Every person who gives a little makes a huge difference for Charlie and her fellow kākā as we work towards positive outcomes and better welfare for native parrots.
Charlie is a special needs birds, and Dunedin residents report she is still weaving, hanging from the wall in an abnormal posture for long periods, and exhibiting other abnormal repetitive behaviours. It's been a year since Charlie's welfare report, and it's clear they aren't meeting the criteria outlined in the report for Charlie. Thus, change is desperately needed for Charlie and trying to recreate Te Anau at Dunedin has not worked.
Want to learn more about Charlie's welfare report? Click here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14TYqz5L4R6/
Thank you again everyone for your support of Charlie and the amazing messages!
Latest donations
Thank you, Barry, for donating to Charlie's legal fees and helping to bring her home. Your support is much appreciated! <3
Thank you so much, Janet, for your kind words of support and for your generous donation. It is much appreciated <3
Thank you so much, Pat, for your kindness and support. With your help, we will keep advocating for Charlie and her fellow kākā! <3
<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
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