The Southland Times reports that the first of the many Kakapo chicks expected for 2009 have hatched, and has a picture of one of them. Yay!

One of the world's most endangered bird populations is on its way to reaching triple figures after the successful hatching of two chicks this week.

The latest additions born on the pest-free reserve Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) near Stewart Island bring the small population of kakapo to 93 and climbing.

More are expected to hatch in the coming weeks.