Did you know that every sick or injured native animal that comes to The Nest Te Kōhanga receives a full health check when they first arrive? These general health checks are carried out by our vets and vet nurses and include x-rays, blood tests, and physical examinations to find out what’s wrong and help our expert vet team to plan for their care during their stay.

Native wildlife may come from anywhere in New Zealand for care from our expert veterinary team. We have looked after critically endangered birds like Kākāpō, endangered sea birds like Toroa Northern Royal Albatrosses and even iconic Tuatara.

Some patients can be at The Nest Te Kōhanga for a few months while they recover – you might have seen sea birds like Kororā Little Blue Penguins building up their fitness and regaining their waterproofing in the salt water pool.

The care for each of these patients can cost up to $500 while we nurse them back to health so they can be returned to the wild. Please help us care for native wildlife patients by making a donation.

The generosity of people like you can help us give native wildlife the best possible care so they can be returned to the wild.

Watch how our team provide care for Zoo and native wildlife patients.