What looked like a classic conservation success story nearly ended in disaster. The Chatham Island black robin reveals the hidden perils of intervention
"OLD BLUE was a saint," says Melanie Massaro. In her lifetime, Old Blue was the heroine of one of the most gripping tales in the annals of wildlife conservation. The cheeky little bird with the blue leg-band captured the hearts of millions and was feted around the world. Thirty years after her death, Old Blue's name lives on. There is even a memorial plaque to remind people that she was the saviour of her species.
For decades, the rescue of the Chatham Island black robin has offered conservationists hope: no matter how bad things look, it is possible to bring a species back from the very brink of extinction. Now, however, ...
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