Woof Woof will be missed
DENISE PIPER Last updated 05:00 15/02/2011
One of Whangarei's most beloved and talkative characters, Woof Woof the tui, has died.
The talking tui based at Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre died last Saturday, presumably from old age at 16.
Manager Robert Webb says Woof Woof was the first tui to talk at the centre and was known worldwide for his comments, jingles and mimic coughing.
Woof Woof came to the centre at just a few days old, after being blown out of his nest by a storm.
His wing was damaged beyond repair and he was never able to fly, so could not be returned to the wild.
Mr Webb says apart from his wing, Woof Woof recovered well and after eight weeks inside he was put into an outdoor aviary for public education.
"When he was two years old, from out of the blue he turned around and said: `Hello Woof Woof'," Mr Webb says.
Over the years he increased his vocabulary but was never trained.
His accent was almost identical to Mr Webb – showing just who talks to the birds the most.
"Robin Webb and I are there every day. You talk to the birds and old Woof Woof would talk back to you.
"You build up a relationship I suppose," he says.
People who want to see a talking tui need not fear – Woof Woof's shoes are being filled by Jet and Little Tui who are both picking up a few words.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/whangarei-leader/4654556/Woof-Woof-will-be-missed