Wildlife Hospital manager Jordana Whyte said the rambunctious young males were just awaiting the all clear from the fungal lung infection aspergillosis, which affected birds and chicks on Anchor Island in Fiordland this breeding season.
Ra A2 and Erohe A1 were taken for scans at Invermay on Tuesday afternoon, becoming the first animals to be examined by a new scanner at the site.
Vets were awaiting the results and, if the birds got the all-clear, they could go back to Anchor Island as early as next week, after being in the care of the Wildlife Hospital since March, Ms Whyte said.
Last week, they passed the 150-day milestone, which meant they could be classed as juveniles and officially added to the kakapo population, which has now topped 200.
This year’s kakapo breeding season had been successful, with good survival rates, and the Wildlife Hospital had helped to care for 30 of the taonga bird species.
"It is very exciting to see the kakapo numbers growing, and to be playing our part in that," Ms Whyte said.
As Ra A2 and Erohe A1 mature, their names will cease to be linked to those of their mothers — Ra and Erohe — and they will receive names given by Ngai Tahu.
The genetics of Ra A2 are particularly important, as his mother died this season, leaving him and two siblings as the last of her line.
Ms Whyte said the team at the Wildlife Hospital loved caring for the kakapo, but it was "really time for them to go home now".
"They have outgrown their enclosure in the hospital, and they are getting bored, which manifests as causing trouble."
While this resulted in lots of hilarity, due to their high energy antics, it would be good to see them take the next step in their lives, she said.
The flow of patients into the Wildlife Hospital has been slow this month, with only kereru and a bell bird in residence, which gives the team the chance to plan for the summer hoiho breeding season.
"Each year, the nests on the mainland are being closely monitored, and we feed up most of the chicks and treat them for avian diptheria," Ms Whyte said.
"It is an incredibly busy time for us."
