But 2019 has been a great year for the endemic New Zealand species, the breeding season being the most successful on record.
Department of Conservation kakapo field ranger Jake Osborne said 73 chicks had survived.
"It will be a big boost to the population ... this means an increase in 50% of the numbers of kakapos in the world."
To celebrate its achievement, Doc's Kakapo Recovery Programme is inviting the public to view eight of this year's chicks before they are returned to their offshore island homes. The viewings are from tomorrow until Monday.
During the viewing sessions in Invercargill, people will be able to meet kakapo Kohitatea and Tomua, which are Maori for "January" and "early' respectively.
"Those two bred in January, which is quite early for the species. Usually they breed in February or March."
Mr Osborne said precautions would be taken to ensure the welfare of the birds.
Kakapo only breed every two to four years, when rimu trees produce fruit in what was known as a mast year.
"It is a wonderful opportunity for Invercargill."
