Have you ever heard of a bird that can make you go “eww” and “aww” at the same time? Meet the pūteketeke, the Australasian crested grebe, which won the election for New Zealand’s “Bird of the Century”. This victory was not by chance but due to an “alarmingly aggressive” campaign by British-American comedian and political commentator, John Oliver.
What Makes the Pūteketeke So Special?
The pūteketeke is a diving water bird known for its unique appearance and unusual habits. With its slim neck, sharp beak, and distinctive orange mullet, it certainly stands out among its feathery peers. But what truly sets it apart is its propensity for puking.
These birds have a rather fascinating way of triggering their gag reflex – they eat their own feathers! This peculiar behavior helps them vomit out parasites and keep their digestive system clean. The pūteketeke’s vomiting prowess, combined with its adorable parenting style and distinct looks, caught the eye of influential bird enthusiast John Oliver.
John Oliver’s “Alarmingly Aggressive” Campaign
John Oliver approached Forest and Bird, the organization hosting the contest, to campaign for the pūteketeke. Little did they know what they were unleashing when they gave him the green light. Oliver’s affinity for the bird’s quirkiness, including its mating dance involving wet grass clumps and chest bumping, is what motivated him to promote it.
But his campaign didn’t stop at just words. Oliver went to great lengths to raise awareness for the pūteketeke. He wore an oversized bird costume on his show, bought billboards worldwide, plastered “Lord of the Wings” posters at bus stops in New Zealand, and even flew a plane with a pūteketeke over Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema Beach.
The Pūteketeke’s Victory
Thanks to John Oliver’s aggressive campaigning, the Bird of the Century election saw a record-breaking number of votes. A total of 350,000 votes poured in from 195 countries, with a staggering 290,000 in favor of the pūteketeke. To put this into perspective, the previous highest vote count was 56,733 in 2021. The runner-up, the kiwi (New Zealand’s national bird), received a mere 12,904 votes.
Forest and Bird’s Chief Executive, Nicola Toki, expressed her surprise and delight at the outpouring of passion, creativity, and debate generated by the campaign. The contest not only celebrated the pūteketeke’s win but also raised awareness for New Zealand’s native bird life, which is vital for their conservation efforts.
A Threatened Species
While the pūteketeke’s victory is a cause for celebration, it shouldn’t overshadow the fact that this bird is a threatened species. The population of pūteketeke in New Zealand has dwindled to below 1,000. Forest and Bird reports that over 80% of native New Zealand birds are either threatened or endangered, making the conservation of these species crucial.
New Zealand’s Unique Connection to Birds
New Zealand has a special relationship with its avian inhabitants. Unlike countries with lions, tigers, and bears, New Zealand’s wildlife is dominated by birds. According to Forest and Bird, this creates an intangible and powerful connection to their wildlife. It is this deep appreciation for their feathered friends that inspired the Bird of the Century contest.
Conclusion
The pūteketeke’s victory as New Zealand’s Bird of the Century is a testament to the power of passionate campaigning and the allure of a quirky, puking bird with a colorful mullet. John Oliver’s participation not only sparked a worldwide interest in the contest but also shed light on the conservation needs of New Zealand’s native bird species.
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