''Lots of calling to each other and running around,'' Ecosanctuary general manager Chris Baillie said of Paku's return to the ecosanctuary.
The bird was sent to Massey University's Wildbase hospital in Palmerston North for treatment after being found tangled up in the muehlenbeckia beside her nest.
''Not even the webcam had given away her plight, as she was almost on the nest, but caught by a wing for an estimated three days.''
Although her wing was not broken, she suffered a serious ligament injury requiring her wing to be strapped and she was administered anti-inflammatory medicine by staff daily.
When she did not recover as hoped, Paku was sent to Wildbase where staffed discovered the muehlenbeckia had ripped the wing at the elbow down to the bone, severing the nerves below the elbow.
Wildbase director Assoc Prof Brett Gartrell said the bird had no sensation below that point nor could she hold her wing up.
So they did a procedure fusing the wing in a fully flexed position. It was the first time it had been done on a takahe and a first for Prof Gartrell.
''It was extensive surgery that is not routinely done. She's now far less likely to get tangled up in things.''
It also meant she would remain waterproof and it was hoped she would continue to take part in mating rituals.
''Takahes don't use their wings for flight but they do for courtship, but she should be able to lift it and flap a bit so we're hoping that will be enough for her and her partner.''
Takahe were very special birds with only about 240 remaining, he said.
''She was a really good bird. A delight to have around.''
Wildbase relied on donations and sponsorship for those sort of procedures, with the cost of Paku's treatment in commercial veterinary terms about $3000 to $4000, he said.
