However, a reunion is imminent for the Jack Russell/fox terrier cross and his handler after a tense few days stranded on the remote island.
Flint had been working at Campbell Island as part of Operation Endurance – a logistics support operation between the New Zealand Defence Force and MetService and Doc which supports both agencies management work in the subantarctic islands.
Things went awry when a group of Doc staff were headed back to board the Royal New Zealand Navy ship, HMNZS Canterbury, when they were charged at by an aggressive sea lion and Flint bolted away from the group.
A ground search for him ensued but even a helicopter with thermal imaging technology could not find the pup and the decision was made to suspend the search.
Bad weather, and a mechanical issue with the ship, meant those involved with the operation had to leave the island at 11pm on November 27.
Doc deputy director general Mike Slater said the right call was made to depart the island.
“While it was heart-breaking for all involved, the safety of all those aboard was first priority.
Flint, however, is one loved pup.
A rescue mission was organised to retrieve the terrier.
A helicopter equipped to fly the 660km journey across the Southern Ocean was deployed from Heli Otago and reached Campbell Island at 11am.
It was not a long search as the clever dog had made his way across the island and was waiting to be rescued from Beeman Base.
Mr Slater said everyone involved is ecstatic for the happy outcome - "conservation dogs play a vital role in our efforts to keep New Zealand islands pest free and we need as many of them as possible as we work towards a Predator Free 2050."
He said Flint was considered part of the team - "we wanted to make sure we did everything we could to try and find him and bring him home."
It was a time sensitive mission, he said.
“We had offers of assistance from a range of people including NIWA Vessel Tangaroa which was in the Southern Ocean at the time.
“Due to the time sensitive nature of this rescue – with Flint wearing a muzzle and therefore unable to feed himself, we were working against the clock.”
Flint will return to mainland New Zealand this evening when he arrives into Taieri Airfield, beating his handler Richard Johnston home by a couple of days.
