Joint Statement on Akikiki Named Carrott-Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources & San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Nov. 29, 2022
Unfortunately, Carrot did not make it. We don’t believe this ‘akikiki was felled by avian malaria, but more likely by a common pathogen or fungal infection. Though we are saddened by this loss, it highlights one of the many challenges we face with species recovery efforts. We remain undaunted and continue making plans for bringing ‘akikiki and their eggs into a breeding facility with the hope of raising a large enough population to reintroduce birds back into their native habitats, once malaria is under control. We and our partners are learning from Carrot’s death and all animal rescue, care, and husbandry procedures are being carefully reviewed to ensure best practices continue. Species reintroductions are incredibly difficult and always fraught with setbacks, but we are pressing forward. Once details are available on the 2023 bird and egg collections, the media will be informed. Mahalo
