When staff at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head discovered Moana the northern royal albatross had flown the nest, they were like most parents - they did not know whether to cheer or cry.
Since she hatched in January this year, Moana has become an internet sensation via the Department of Conservation's webcam and thousands of people around the world have watched her grow up via webcam.
But yesterday, Moana fledged, which means she left her nest to fly towards South American waters.
She will now spend the next 4 to 10 years at sea before returning to Taiaroa Head to breed and raise a chick of her own.
Otago Peninsula Trust Taiaroa Head operations manager Hoani Langsbury said there were mixed feelings among those who played a part in raising her.
''I suppose it's a bit like a child leaving home.
''We're all sad to see her go, as she has captured thousands of hearts around the world.
''But for me, personally, it's really a celebration.
''That's what we work for, the whole year, to ensure that the chicks fledge and they go off to the world.
''It's now the world's responsibility to make sure that they get those chicks back to us in 5 or 6 years' time.''
For those with the maternal instinct, wondering what they will do with their day now they cannot watch Moana grow up via the internet, there may soon be a new star in the nest. Department of Conservation (Doc) ranger Lyndon Perriman said the webcam would stay in place at Taiaroa Head.
''While we won't be able to film Moana, there will be other albatross at Taiaroa Head preparing their nests for the next season.
''Although Moana has left, we're looking forward to seeing which birds breed next season and who will be our next albatross star.''
Mr Langsbury said the trust and Doc had responded to huge amounts of social media and email queries about Moana.
''She has been an incredible ambassador for royal albatross and we hope to see her back again in a few years.
''In the meantime, the trust is committed to working with Doc to ensure we continue to share live webcams and increase interest and support for the incredible wildlife at Pukekura [Taiaroa Head].''
He said community donations and support meant at least two webcams would be beaming out images around the world soon.
To mark Moana's departure, more than 10 of her biggest fans from across New Zealand and Australia will visit the Royal Albatross Centre on September 17 for a fledging party, he said.
