Help us save Tītī (Cook’s petrel)

Each year, Tītī (Cook’s petrels) fly inland over Auckland City as they travel between their breeding sites and offshore feeding grounds. Artificial lighting disorients them during these flights, causing many birds to become grounded in urban areas, unable to take off again and at serious risk without intervention.

BirdCare Aotearoa expects to receive a large influx of Cook’s petrels affected by light pollution. We are launching this appeal to raise $30,000 to support their specialist rehabilitation.

Cook’s petrels require intensive, hands-on care. Many arrive dehydrated, injured, and unable to feed themselves. Rehabilitation includes hydration therapy, pain relief and antibiotics, and tube feeding with a specially blended, nutritious squid diet, as they will not eat independently while in care. Birds must then be bathed to restore feather condition and waterproofing, followed by pool therapy to rebuild strength and confirm they can swim safely before release.

Last season, our team worked tirelessly to rehabilitate and release over 100 petrels back to the wild, there were numerous other declining and at risk petrel, shearwater, prion species, including 11 endangered Tāiko Black petrels This is vital, highly specialised work that gives these remarkable seabirds the chance to return to the moana and continue their long lives at sea.

Go and watch the animation video made by our friends at Infrairis animation which will tell me more about the plight of the Tītī and how to help