With only seven weeks until the arrival of celebrity kakapo Sirocco, preparations have begun at Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
The kakapo ambassador arrives at Orokonui on September 6 for a month-long visit.
Kakapo are the only flightless parrot species and are ''critically endangered''.
Orokonui general manager Chris Baillie said Sirocco, who was hand-reared, gave people a rare chance to see a kakapo. Up to 25 people at a time would be able to take evening tours to the specially built enclosure, where, encouraged by his ''minder'', he would be seen close-up in a viewing room behind glass.
''He loves the limelight. He is a perfect ambassador for raising awareness of the kakapo recovery team's work.''
The Kakapo Recovery work benefits from 10% of ticket sales.
