Orokonui Ecosanctuary staff are searching for a missing takahe ''family''.
Ecosanctuary general manager Chris Baillie said ecosanctuary ranger Kelly Gough went to check on the takahe nest where takahe Paku (13) and her mate Quammen (15) had been nesting on two fertile eggs taken from a takahe breeding centre near Te Anau.
The eggs were expected to hatch last week but staff gave the family time alone before checking on the new arrivals yesterday.
However, the nest was empty, she said.
''It is likely that the chicks have hatched and that the family has moved.
''They are probably trying to keep the chicks hidden and well fed,'' Ms Baillie said.
Ecosanctuary staff would continue to search the ecosanctuary for the missing birds, she said.
