This 6-month-old male albatross, at 13kg the biggest of this year's chicks, was the centre of attention yesterday when Conservation Minister, Kate Wilkinson (left) and National list MP, Michael Woodhouse (right), visited the royal albatross colony.
Department of Conservation head ranger Taiaroa, Lyndon Perriman (centre), said he chose the bird to show the MPs because of its relaxed temperament.
Ms Wilkinson greatly enjoyed visiting the "magnificent" chicks, joking that it was amazing to be "that close to a 13kg baby".
During her visit, Mr Perriman told her about the colony's significance and the current crop of chicks, at 22 the third-best in the colony's history.
Ms Wilkinson, who is also Minister for Food Safety, also visited Cadbury World.
