New Zealand’s world famous parrot – Sirocco the kakapo – has been officially recognised as a conservation ambassador by the Prime Minister John Key.

To launch New Zealand’s involvement in the International Year of Biodiversity and in recognition of Sirocco’s own celebrity status the 12-year old kakapo has been named New Zealand’s “Official Spokesbird for Conservation”.

Sirocco, one of only 124 kakapo remaining in the world, was catapulted into stardom after featuring in the BBC’s “Last chance to see” programme. This saw a huge rise in popularity of kakapo and interest from people wanting to know more about New Zealand’s unique native wildlife.

“Sirocco was an obvious choice for the role – he has a huge worldwide following and he demonstrates the importance of looking after the very special nature that makes New Zealand so different”, said Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.

“New Zealand is home to the world’s only flightless and nocturnal parrot, the last surviving member of a dinosaur family and the world’s smallest marine dolphin - we have so much unique native wildlife in every nook and cranny across the country. This is our biodiversity to protect and Sirocco can help spread that message.

“We’re justifiably proud of our natural living space and our reputation as a destination where people can experience amazing wildlife, landscapes and wilderness.