Sam

Sam was banded as a fledgling at Goat Pass during the 2018 Coast 2 Coast by Mark and Stewart. Coast 2 Coast named this kea after one of their volunteers Sam McLeod. Their tribute to Sam: Sam McLeod, one of life’s good bugger’s, lost his battle with cancer passing away in Wanaka recently. Sam was part of the Goat Pass crew for the Coast to Coast for a number of years. Sam flew in as part of the pest eradication team, usually staying in and around the area for up to a week after everyone else had left the Hut. With his outdoor and bush skills, Sam could help out with any situation that could/did arise. Sam would be helping out in and around the hut all day, making cups of tea or coffee for everyone. Also out there helping with the gear checks when first introduced. By night, sitting on the deck teaching people the different calls of the Kiwi, then out trapping and pest control until the early hours of the morning, often getting back after 3am. Sam being Sam, a few hours sleep and then up again to help out with anything that needed doing. Without the dedication from Sam and the team the Blue Duck, Kiwi and other wildlife would not have been able to increase in numbers to what it is today. Sam’s last flight to Goat Pass with the crew was in 2015, having been diagnosed with cancer and on treatment/medication, he wanted to make one last trip - on his terms. Rest in Peace Sam.