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Our logo depicts a pair of nene, the endangered Hawaiian goose (Nesochen
sandvicensis). These birds were near extinction in 1918 when Herbert
C. Shipman began an effort to save them. Shipman started a captive breeding
program at his Keaau home. He later provided birds for other programs
including the State of Hawaii effort at Pohakuloa (now located at Olinda,
Maui) and the program run by the Wildfowl Trust in England. The
story is told in the National Geographic, November 1965, article titled
"Saving the Nene, World's Rarest Goose".
Today W. H. Shipman, Limited, continues the effort by providing
habitat at Keaau. This is one of the few lowland habitats that is maintained
for nene. The birds enjoy the spacious lawn area where they are free
to graze. Abundant nesting areas and water are also available. The major
challenges of supporting nene include control of predation by mongoose,
dogs, cats and rats.
© 2008 W. H. Shipman, Limited. All rights reserved.