@docgovtnz: Āwheo, our Royal Cam chick, has officially fledged from Pukekura/Taiaroa Head! Just days before taking off, Āwheo was putting those enormous wings to work, flapping, stretching and practising in the strong winds, getting stronger and stronger for the journey ahead. And then… it was time to fly. (He fledged off camera, so we didn't get a clip of that)🌊🪽 Āwheo leaves the colony and his life on the ocean begins. Juvenile toroa spend around 85% of their lives at sea, travelling thousands of kilometres across the Pacific before eventually returning to Pukekura to breed. And the really incredible part? Āwheo may not touch land again for around five years. For now, we’re saying ka kite anō to Āwheo and wishing this young manu safe travels. 💙 Fly well, Āwheo. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3TdIhK6

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Tuesday 08 September 2026 03:24:18 GMT