Nene Encounter!

Hawaii's State bird is also endangered and extremely rare. Most Nenes live in captivity, like these we keep in Waikoloa Village. They are bred here in hopes of returning them to the wild. Occasionally Nenes are seen in their natural habitat. I was very fortunate to meet this one on a trail outside Volcanoes National Park. If you see one, don't try to feed it. That might get them in the habit of running at cars, very bad for the species.

To discover new and unusual life forms is part of our nature, encouraged by childhood trips to the zoo. The vast majority of science fiction deals in one way or another with aliens. Nearly every human being is interested in the possibility of extra-terrestrial life. The instinct to discover new life drives us to explore other worlds.

UPDATE: August Pfluger's expedition to the Yangtze has concluded after finding no trace of the Baiji. The white dolphin will be declared officially extinct.