The arrival at Orokonui Ecosanctuary of a pair of rare takahe has been delayed after one injured its foot.
The pair were expected to arrive in Dunedin on Monday from Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds.
Orokonui general manager Chris Baillie said the female of the pair had injured its foot on the abrasive surfaces of its habitat and the foot had become infected.
The bird was now at Massey University's wildlife centre where it would be operated on and recuperate.
It was thought it could be a month before the female was well enough to join its partner for the trip south.
"We'd rather she starts her stay in good health and she'll love the soft, luxurious grasses of her new home - no rough stuff here."
The delay eased the pressure on the volunteers and Mitre 10 who were building the takahe enclosure, she said.
