New Zealand has chosen the karure, also known as the Chatham Islands black robin, as its Bird of the Year for 2024. The bird received 105,000 votes in the annual competition, beating more high-profile contenders such as the kakapo, a flightless parrot, and the kārearea falcon, a native raptor. The karure's win highlights its remarkable conservation story, as its population has grown from just five individuals in 1980 to around 350 today. The karure once faced near extinction due to the introduction of invasive species on the Chatham Islands, a group of islands located about 800 kilometers east of New Zealand's South Island. By 1976, only seven wild karures remained, with only one breeding pair left. By 1980, the number had dropped to five, with only one fertile pair, Old Blue and Old Yellow, remaining. These two birds were the sole hope for the survival of the species at the time. Environmental advocate Don Merton and his team played a crucial role in saving the karure. They developed a unique conservation method, removing the eggs laid by Old Blue and Old Yellow and placing them with other nesting birds. A small black-capped chickadee proved to be the ideal foster parent for the black robin chicks. This technique, which had never been used before, allowed for the successful breeding of more individuals and eventually led to the recovery of the species. Today, the karure population consists of around 350 birds, all direct descendants of Old Blue and Old Yellow. In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature reclassified the species from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable." The birds now live exclusively on Mangere and Rangatira islands, two protected reserves free of invasive predators, carefully managed by New Zealand authorities. The karure's win in the Bird of the Year competition reflects the deep connection New Zealanders feel with the bird's story of resilience. The survival of the species after such a low point in 1980 is seen as almost miraculous. The public's support highlights more than just a popularity contest; it celebrates the dedication of conservationists and the adaptability of nature. However, the long-term survival of the karure remains uncertain, and efforts to ensure its future continue.