KAPAAU, Hawaii (KHON2) — There are many species of wildlife in Hawai’i that are found no where else in the world.

The Hawaiian Nēnē is a species of goose that is found throughout our islands. It is endangered, and Hawai’i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources works hard to ensure their safety and development.

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DLNR said that a nēnē by the name of 22-216 became injured with a broken wing. He had to be taken to the Hawai’i Wildlife Center for recovery.

Since this nēnē had a mate, they brought the mate along to be reunited with 22-216.

During their stay at the center, the two decided to start a family.

While this was good news, the staff had to get the new baby nēnē to their native lands before they imprinted on the sanctuary.

  • Two nēnē mates are reunited after the male nēnē was brought to the Hawai'i Wildlife Center with a broken wing in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai'i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
    Two nēnē mates are reunited after the male nēnē was brought to the Hawai’i Wildlife Center with a broken wing in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai’i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
  • Two nēnē eggs lie on a grass nest in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai'i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
    Two nēnē eggs lie on a grass nest in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai’i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
  • A photo shows the mom with her healthy chicks in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai'i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
    A photo shows the mom with her healthy chicks in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai’i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
  • 22-216 stands guard while mom sits with their babies in a massive kennel which was generously donated by a volunteer and longtime supporter. The family had plenty of space for a comfortable ride together to their new home in the sanctuary in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai'i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
    22-216 stands guard while mom sits with their babies in a massive kennel which was generously donated by a volunteer and longtime supporter. The family had plenty of space for a comfortable ride together to their new home in the sanctuary in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai’i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
  • The nēnē family settles into their new home. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife Nēnē Sanctuary has a fence to keep out predators and birds can come and go as they please in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai'i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
    The nēnē family settles into their new home. The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife Nēnē Sanctuary has a fence to keep out predators and birds can come and go as they please in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai’i. (Photo/Department of Land and Natural Resources)
  • Located on located on Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu islands, the Hawai'i Wildlife Center's staff from left to right: Marie, Rae, Dr. Juan, Heidi, Linda, ʻAuliʻi, Kinsley and Rachael in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai'i.(Photo/Hawai'i Wildlife Center)
    Located on located on Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu islands, the Hawai’i Wildlife Center’s staff from left to right: Marie, Rae, Dr. Juan, Heidi, Linda, ʻAuliʻi, Kinsley and Rachael in December 2022 in Kapa‘au,Hawai’i.(Photo/Hawai’i Wildlife Center)

Fortunately, 22-216 had a full recovery just as the baby nēnē and their mom needed to be relocated.

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The family was safely taken to their new home on Maunakea. DLNR continues to monitor them as they begin their life in the new year. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!