I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has supported this project over the past three and a half years. It has been an amazing opportunity and an experience that I won’t forget. After hundreds of hours of design and promotion, it's surreal that the campaign has come to an end. 

My goal was to raise awareness in general for critically endangered species and to introduce the kākāpō to an audience that may otherwise have never known that it existed. By combining my passions for LEGO and wildlife I hoped to help facilitate and inspire wonder and respect for the natural world and the precious fauna that we share it with. I feel this was successful. 

When I first started this project in 2018, the kākāpō population was 149 individuals. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Kākāpō Recovery, Ngāi tahu, the Department of Conservation, and the groups, organisations and volunteers that they work with, the population has grown and there are now 201 kākāpō (August 2021). As a thank you to these hard-working groups, I am donating part of my proceeds from sales to Kākāpō Recovery. 

Your interest in the kākāpō and endangered species doesn't need to end here. The world has countless beautiful creatures, many of which are threatened with extinction. I implore you to take time to learn about some of these species and to consider how we can work together to improve the world for them, and for future generations. Chur. 

Learn more about the kākāpō here: 

https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/kakapo/ 

https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/conservation-education/resources/kakapo-recovery/ 

https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/kakapo-recovery/get-involved/donate/ 

https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/kakapo-recovery/get-involved/adopt-a-kakapo/ 

What is a kākāpō?

The kākāpō (Strigops habroptila) is an iconic flightless, nocturnal parrot that is only found in New Zealand. It is critically endangered and currently has a population of just over 200 individuals.

About the design

I chose to design and build the kākāpō as I am passionate about New Zealand and its unique wildlife. It is my intention that this model will raise awareness for the kākāpō, as well as other endangered species from around the world. 

The new and improved design is constructed from just over 1,000 bricks. The model is free-standing and completely flightless, just like a real kākāpō! It features rotatable and extendable wings, posable tail feathers, and also comes with a mini-build baby kākāpō.

By easily removing bricks from the top of the model, the kākāpō can also wear brick-built headwear. Included with the set are a party hat (to really get the party started!) and a fashionable top hat to don in the presence of more distinguished guests. Maybe you can come up with some fun accessories that the kākāpō can wear too?!

Great for both conservation and conversation:

Mate - "Hey bro, what's that thing?" 

You - "LEGO kākāpō." 

Mate - "Sweet as."

When and where can I get one?

The kākāpō will be available for pre-order here on BrickLink from the 1st July 2021. This is the only place that it will be available, and it must be in the first 5 of 8 projects to reach 3,000 pre-orders to go into production. Make sure to get your kākāpō here on the 1st July to secure your set and to ensure it becomes a reality!

You can contribute to kākāpō recovery and conservation by adopting your own kākāpō from Kākāpō Recovery.

Skraak!