Sirocco's magnetism now used to communicate serious messages about conservation. He's also the only New Zealand bird to have an insurance package. New Zealand spent more than $13,000 tracking him down after he went off the grid for two years when his transmitter failed in March 2016. "I do think that's money well spent, and that's not in relation to Sirocco as a spokesbird," Vercoe said. Vercoe said the much-loved parrot has no planned appearances this year, but he may appear next year.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 27, 2020 03:45 UTC