Nene, the Hawaiian Goose
The Nene, scientifically known as Branta sandwicensis, holds the prestigious title of Hawaii’s official bird, a distinction it earned on May 7, 1957. This unique bird is found on just three of the 137 islands of Hawaii: Maui, Kauai, and Hawai’i (the Big Island).
Interestingly, Hawaii’s national bird faced a dangerous threat to its existence in the 1950s, with only 30 surviving individuals. Thankfully, successful breeding efforts in captivity led to a steady increase in their numbers, and by the early 2000s, there were approximately 500 Nene birds.
