[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/meet-the-superstar-animals-of-new-zealand\/#NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/meet-the-superstar-animals-of-new-zealand\/","headline":"Meet the Superstar Animals of New Zealand!","name":"Meet the Superstar Animals of New Zealand!","description":"Editor’s note: this article was first published on 23 November 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. New Zealand is known for many things: vast, rolling hills; uninterrupted grassland; picturesque landscapes; being the filming location of Lord of the Rings; and the abundance of sheep.\u00a0 But did you know that beyond just sheep, […]","datePublished":"2020-12-08","dateModified":"2020-12-08","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/Ming%20En%20Liew\/#Person","name":"Ming En Liew","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/author\/Ming%20En%20Liew\/","identifier":132,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8fe7a89455a989038349633329a6e4ad6299388f5e1e3ea83c28126090b2314f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8fe7a89455a989038349633329a6e4ad6299388f5e1e3ea83c28126090b2314f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"TheHomeGround Asia","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/photo_2021-07-22-222533.jpeg","width":640,"height":640}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1606070905022_Mittens_credit_Thomas_Corn-scaled.jpg","url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/wp-content\/uploads\/1606070905022_Mittens_credit_Thomas_Corn-scaled.jpg","height":1067,"width":1600},"url":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/meet-the-superstar-animals-of-new-zealand\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w68vvGh5_Cw#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w68vvGh5_Cw","name":"Ken the kea getting to know the neighbours in Nelson","description":"He's not your usual Sunday morning visitor, but a cheeky kea has managed to let himself into a Nelson living room as part of his new routine of calling in on houses in a suburban neighbourhood.\n\nWhile backyard tui and weka are common in Glenduan, Ken the kea is a new addition - and he's making himself quite at home.\n\nKen has been taunting pets, tearing up gardens and taking bits and pieces off houses.\n\nVanessa Gay was paid a visit by Ken last week - she woke to the sound of her cat making a commotion in the livinig room.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/w68vvGh5_Cw\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/w68vvGh5_Cw\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/w68vvGh5_Cw\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/w68vvGh5_Cw\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/w68vvGh5_Cw\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2020-09-25T06:08:48+00:00","duration":"PT5M2S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/w68vvGh5_Cw","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCp4OXwfZE1SaCQ4jRAuaoXQ#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCp4OXwfZE1SaCQ4jRAuaoXQ","name":"RNZ","description":"RNZ features, current affairs, documentaries, TV and movie reviews, and much more!","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_k0eTW1iiSJYzPFSWu-slsfhV9-g7mQSDunQUfukq-FD2I=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w68vvGh5_Cw#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w68vvGh5_Cw#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w68vvGh5_Cw&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w68vvGh5_Cw#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":2397}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=w68vvGh5_Cw#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":14}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY","name":"Shagged by a rare parrot | Last Chance To See - BBC","description":"Subscribe and \ud83d\udd14 to the BBC \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/bit.ly\/BBCYouTubeSub\nWatch the BBC first on iPlayer \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/bbc.in\/iPlayer-Home Stephen Fry and zoologist Mark Carwardine head to the ends of the earth in search of animals on the edge of extinction.\n\nIn New Zealand the travellers make their way through one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. They are on a journey to find the last remaining kakapo, a fat, flightless parrot which, when threatened with attack, adopts a strategy of standing very still indeed.\n\nLast Chance To See | Series 1 Episode 5 | BBC\n\n#LastChanceToSee\n\n#bbc","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9T1vfsHYiKY\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9T1vfsHYiKY\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9T1vfsHYiKY\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9T1vfsHYiKY\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9T1vfsHYiKY\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2009-09-29T15:24:52+00:00","duration":"PT2M32S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9T1vfsHYiKY","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCCj956IF62FbT7Gouszaj9w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCCj956IF62FbT7Gouszaj9w","name":"BBC","description":"The BBC is the world\u2019s leading public service broadcaster.\n\nWe\u2019re impartial and independent, and every day we create distinctive, world-class programmes and content which inform, educate and entertain millions of people in the UK and around the world.\n\nSUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to get the best of BBC entertainment and comedy programmes, stories from science and nature documentaries, and much more! \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/bit.ly\/2IXqEIn\n\nGet ALL your fresh TV, and sofa-hugging box sets on iPlayer \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/bbc.in\/2J18jYJ","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/2kUet1z3iIsuYaUEPuW0uMDVt9tRAzciL-N_pgy4bAvMazAfAgbJPrGrR3k8MhnGp-GGwy3O=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":30129003}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":524210}]}],"commentCount":"3","comment":[{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/meet-the-superstar-animals-of-new-zealand\/#Comment1","dateCreated":"2026-05-02 23:45:52","description":"Well explained and easy to follow.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"watch horse racing live free","url":"https:\/\/syosetu.com\/?jumplink=https:\/\/www.oneotv.com\/"}},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/meet-the-superstar-animals-of-new-zealand\/#Comment2","dateCreated":"2026-04-27 21:47:41","description":"Looking forward to your next post!","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"on cloud shoes for women","url":"https:\/\/globalshoepalace.com\/product-category\/women\/on-cloud-women-shoes"}},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/meet-the-superstar-animals-of-new-zealand\/#Comment3","dateCreated":"2026-04-24 03:12:59","description":"This content is incredibly informative.","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Best salomon shoes","url":"https:\/\/globalshoepalace.com\/product-category\/women\/Salomon-Women-Shoes"}}],"about":["Featured","International"],"wordCount":1030,"articleBody":"Editor’s note: this article was first published on 23 November 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.New Zealand is known for many things: vast, rolling hills; uninterrupted grassland; picturesque landscapes; being the filming location of Lord of the Rings; and the abundance of sheep.\u00a0But did you know that beyond just sheep, the country is also the home to many superstar animals?\u00a0We might not be able to travel right at this moment, but these celebrity animals are most definitely looking forward to meeting you when the time comes!\u00a0Young Ken the KeaVanessa GayYoung Ken found fame after interrupting a horse-riding lesson in the South Island town of Nelson. The Department of Conservation (DoC) had initially asked residents not to feed or play with him as they were worried that Ken would get too reliant on and trusting of humans and be unable to survive in the wild. But Ken had his own plans.\u00a0The kea preferred the suburban lifestyle to that of the wilderness, and now spends his time taunting pets, shooing humans off their own decks, and generally \u201cthrowing things around and having a good old play\u201d. He can regularly be seen expanding his social circle and getting to know his neighbours.\u00a0Ken can be spotted up and down the coast and in the middle of Nelson city occasionally. These days, it seems he wishes to further integrate in the suburban lifestyle and has been found gazing longingly through windows at the people inside. To remain invested in the journey of Ken, check out the kea database!Mittens the Vagabond CatThomas CornMittens is a large Turkish Angora cat and rules over central Wellington with his furry fist. The feline is so well-regarded he was once in the running for New Zealander of the year! Mittens\u2019 daily shenanigans include taking naps in offices and libraries, and being a calendar model in his free time.Beyond his daily naps, Mittens finds pleasure in responding to the calls of motor vehicles. If doors are not opened for him, Mittens is undeterred and has been known to jump through open car windows at stop lights. The vagabond cat is now an official resident of the city, and the SPCA requests for you to let him do his thing. Paying a visit to New Zealand? We\u2019re sure the superstar cat will be happy to grace you with his presence!Steve and Dave Jr (DJ)Steve and DJ, the giant goats, call the city of Auckland their home. Much like Mittens, they have a penchant for cars and have been sighted around the city frequenting farmers\u2019 markets. We\u2019re sure Singaporeans can appreciate the mindset of these goats as they trot around looking for a good bargain!\u00a0The two goats are part of a family that have become local celebrities in Auckland. Their size can measure up to that of a small cow; Steve is three years old, around two metres tall and 106kg. They fully embrace their size and can often be found taking in some Vitamin D on the city\u2019s beaches.\u00a0Grant Solley, the goats\u2019 owner, has said that Steve is definitely aware of his celebrity status and is happy to pose for photo opportunities. The next time you\u2019re in New Zealand, be sure to meet with these gentle giants to get a photo with one of New Zealand\u2019s biggest celebrities!\u00a0Burt ChopBurt Chop might look like a sheep, but he\u2019s actually the wolf in sheep\u2019s clothing that we grew up hearing in children\u2019s tales!\u00a0In the past, Burt Chop didn\u2019t have a mum and the other sheep got a bit too rough with the young lamb. Eventually, he was moved into the human house for hand-rearing and found his family there with the dogs. His owner, Naomi Abraham, describes him as the most useless sheep on the farm, but Burt Chop is most definitely the most talented of the lot! The sheep can jump, swim, and run just as well as his wolf ancestors.\u00a0His talents are not put to waste either, as Burt Chop is a full-on TikTok celebrity! The sheep has over 70,000 followers on TikTok \u2014 talk about celebrity status! For a glimpse of the superstar sheep\/dog, you can find him when driving past farms on the Banks Peninsula.SiroccoChris BirminghamSirocco, the $80,000 k\u0101k\u0101p\u014d, flies in a private plane, and has his own little island, but hasn\u2019t done anything in particular to deserve this sycophantic treatment. In fact, his greatest achievement was going viral after attempting to make love to the unwilling head of a zoologist during a Stephen Fry documentary. Despite his amorous efforts, his desires unfortunately do not extend to his same species and he has failed to produce any offspring in his 23 years.\u00a0Despite his lack of success on the romantic front, New Zealand\u2019s Department of Conservation deem him worth the insurance money due to his marketing success. The lifestyle influencer has around 235,000 Facebook fans who hang on to his daily antics which include swimming in the sea and enjoying florets of broccoli. Being hand-reared since young, the parrot loves his human friends and can be found these days hanging out at Orokonui Ecosanctury in Dunedin.\u00a0Draco (and other good penguins)Draco and his waddle of penguins can be found in the Little Penguin rehabilitation facility in Napier, home to abandoned and rehabilitated penguins. The gang found fame after the National Aquarium decided to hold the penguins accountable to their actions and have a monthly \u201cnaughty\u201d and \u201cnice\u201d ranking for the penguins.\u00a0Draco was named the Penguin of the Year by popular vote after an international voting competition in 2019. He\u2019s known to be a great neighbour, babysitter, and protector of bullied penguins. Recently, Draco\u2019s title has been upended by 2020\u2019s Penguin of the Year, Captain!To pay a visit to these mischievous birds, be sure to include the National Aquarium of New Zealand in your bucket list as you\u2019re dreaming up travels in a post-pandemic world. Join the conversations on THG’s\u00a0Facebook\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram, and get the latest updates via\u00a0Telegram."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"International","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Meet the Superstar Animals of New Zealand!","item":"https:\/\/thehomeground.asia\/international\/meet-the-superstar-animals-of-new-zealand\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]