Flying kākāpō sperm

This episode of the wonderful Kakapo Files Podcast details their spectacular efforts at harvesting sperm from male Kakapo, then using drones to whizz them across the island to artificially inseminate a female far away. For the famous flightless parrots who've forgotten that they've forgotten how to fly, this may be the ultimate irony. Do check out the podcast, it's been a fascinating insight into what's turning out to be a record breeding season.

Flying kakapo sperm - a world first. DOC's Kakapo Recovery Team manager Deidre Vercoe with 'spermcopter' drone pilot Anton Marsden, and sperm expert Andreas Bublat holding a tiny vial of kakapo sperm. Photo: RNZ / Alison Ballance