The first 40

 The Kakapo 125 Project continues to move ahead at pace. We're excited to be able to share with you the first 40 kākāpō who are now being sequenced!

In addition to the crowdfunding campaign we're also funding the project via genome sponsorship. Many of these individuals are yet to be sponsored so please take a look at the Genetic Rescue Foundation's shop if you'd like sponsor a kākāpō and receive a cool DNA portrait from DNA 11 compiled from the genetic information of the individual you're sponsoring.

In the news

Kakapo 125 project lead and DOC scientist Dr. Andrew Digby did an excellent interview covering all things kākāpō on Radio New Zealand. A link to the interview is provided below. We highly recommend having a listen if you can spare the time.

 

 http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/satur...

We've also received a fair amount of coverage from other sources. Here's a sampling.

 http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-cou...

 http://genestogenomes.org/kakapo-125-genomes-proje...

 http://www.engadget.com/2016/02/05/scientists-want...

 http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-...

The Kakapo 125 NZ Launch Event

 

The March 14th Kakapo 125 launch event at Zealandia was a huge success. Thank you to Glenda Lewis and NZGL for organizing the event. Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and BBC presenter and science writer Dr. Adam Rutherford attended making for a memorable evening.

The Experiment.com Campaign

After an extremely quick start the campaign contributions have slowed. This is not unexpected and most importantly the contributions are still coming in. As of the time of posting this lab note we have 38 days remaining and ~$8,500 left to raise. We have seen truly amazing support for the project so far. Please help us to complete our fundraising objectives by telling your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and anyone else willing to listen about the project.

All the best

David