I built the kākāpō with the ultimate goal of promoting and spreading awareness of conservation and endangered species. This project is more than just a funny looking green bird. LEGO is a product that spans all ages and is popular worldwide. I believe that a LEGO model of the kākāpō could have a profoundly positive impact on both the kākāpō and endangered species in general. From the overwhelmingly positive feedback I have received so far, I know for sure that there are people who previously did not know what the kākāpō was that are now enamoured with it. I hope that if this model were to become an official LEGO set, it would motivate others to learn about endangered species and hopefully spark a passion. I also think that buildable animals have largely been ignored with official LEGO sets and that the kākāpō aligns thematically well with LEGO’s commitment to a more sustainable future.



Another difficult challenge was keeping the feathers (part 41740, plate, modified 1x4 with 2 studs and groove) on the wings from not getting knocked off easily, as they are at odd angles and only attach by one stud. Overlaying two more of the same modified plates across the back of the 5 feathers holds them in place with no risk of coming off. It’s a lot stronger than I had thought possible.

The hardest part to build was the legs and feet and making sure the model was balanced and not at risk of tipping over. I find legs and feet the hardest part of any bird models that I make. I have redesigned the legs of the kākāpō about 4 times and it is now very stable. The model is robust enough to have survived a plane trip in the overhead compartment in one piece.

