The recent weather has been horrific for the fairy terns and their carers.
Unfortunately the 2 Waipu chicks did not survive cyclone Gabrielle and were found dead near their nest site.
The 8 fast maturing chicks in the aviary at Mangawhai, were transferred to safety before the cyclone, but 1 died.
The remaining 7 are flourishing back in the aviary and hover feeding very well.
The plan is to release them nearby to mature fairy terns which at this time of the year form small flocking groups. The adults are being observed so that a good place for release is decided.
