Why is a sanctuary needed?

New Zealand has been isolated as a landmass for around 80 million years ago and in that time developed a unique fauna based on birds, reptiles and insects. This fauna was ill-equipped to deal with the changes brought about by the arrival of people all the animals they introduced to the country. Many species became extinct and others were only safe on offshore islands, free from mammalian predators and competitors.

Keeping our unique wildlife only on remote offshore islands means we also lose connection with them. Projects like the Brook Sanctuary can provide pest-free ‘oases’ on the mainland and bring our wonderful birds and reptiles back - into our lives and into a protected place where they can once again flourish.