Jenny was found unconscious at the base of a large glass sliding door on a farm near Fairlie, South Canterbury, in February 2018. She was rescued by the Department of Conservation and taken to the New Zealand Raptor Trust in Timaru for treatment and rehabilitation.

Jenny was unable to stand on her own and had a noticeable droop in her right wing. Although she gradually regained strength and was able to eat, stand and make short flights, she was left with permanent neurological damage. Unable to gain height in flight, hunt, or perch in trees, Jenny could not be returned to the wild.

She joined the Kārearea Falcon Trust's conservation breeding programme in July 2019, where she was paired with resident male Pari. Together they successfully bred chicks for release into the wild, helping strengthen New Zealand's wild kārearea population.

In 2026, Jenny underwent major surgery to repair a large abdominal hernia, allowing her the best chance of enjoying many more healthy years. She is currently taking a break from breeding while she recovers before returning to her important role in the programme.

Many of the beautiful photos of Jenny are courtesy of the NZ Raptor Trust in Timaru.

PLATINUM -

GOLD - Taupō District Council - Parks and Reserves team from Taupō NZ

SILVER - Mike Bryan from Dunedin, NZ

BRONZE - Liz and John Burgess, from Havelock, NZ (2nd year of adoption)

SCHOOL -