A native bird called Tuaimeo (friendly ground dove) named Maxine from Malaemalu, Falealili was released after 63 days of care and recovery. 

The name Maxine was given to the bird by her youngest rescuer four-year-old Maluapapa Mika Suesue. 

Samoa Conservation Society shared Maxine's story of being an emblem of resilience and hope in the conservation journey in Samoa. The bird was attacked by a fierce dog tearing away half of its right wing and all its primary feathers.

"Luck, however, was on her side. A group of siblings spotted the dog clutching Maxine in its jaws, likely preparing for a grim meal. Acting swiftly, the teens chased the dog away, leaving Maxine grounded and flightless in their backyard. For a week, she became the star of the children’s lives—they cared for her as best they could, marvelling at the chance to handle such a unique bird. Eventually, their mother recognised Maxine needed professional help for a full recovery, " stated in a statement released by S.C.S

"On 28 September, the Samoa Conservation Society/Sosaiete Faasao o Samoa (SFS) received a phone call—a desperate plea for help for an injured bird in need of expert care. While not a certified veterinary clinic, wequickly stepped in to connect Maxine with immediate support. We brought her to our office, where she became a cherished guest (despite her occasional habit of treating the office as her private restroom)."

Upon arrival, she received the proper care needed for her recovery. Meals of mixed nuts and fresh fruit, combined with guidance from Dr Lynn Miller, CEO of NZ Wildways, allowed us to support her recovery. 

"Through Dr. Miller’s expertise, we ensured Maxine had the expert care needed to regain her strength. Over the weeks, her primary feathers began to regrow and she tested her wings, flapping confidently from one corner of the office to another. Recognizing her growing strength, Dr. Miller advised a gradual reintroduction to the wild. On October 4, after the CHOGM concluded, we collaborated with MNRE to prepare a secure space for Maxine at the Vailima Botanical Garden nursery. "

"After 33 days indoors, she moved to her new temporary shelter, designed with extra protections against predators like rats and cats. Here, Maxine adapted beautifully, receiving fresh seeds, water, and the companionship she seemed to value. Maxine’s story quickly captured hearts beyond our team. She bonded with her youngest rescuer, four-year-old Maluapapa Mika Suesue, who gave her the name “Maxine.” During visits to the nursery, she greeted helpers from MNRE and SCS with a friendly hop and curious glances, a testament to her remarkable resilience and trust."

Last Friday concluded Maxine's first chapter, her release at the Malololelei Conservation Area celebrates her recovery and highlights the importance of collaboration tosafeguard Samoa’s biodiversity. Her release became the highlight of the conclusion of a partnership project for the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) pilot program, involving the three landowners of the Malololelei Conservation Area where Maxine was released, namely the MNRE, the Catholic Church , and Bluebird Lumber and Hardware.

"Maxine’s release was witnessed by Maluapapa himself, representing the next generation of Samoan guardians for our natural heritage. Maxine’s story reminds us that protecting our native species is a shared responsibility, critical to preserving biodiversity for the future and that we do have the skills and capacity to recover injured wildlife in Samoa."

"We extend our gratitude to the National Parks and Reserves Office and the Division of Environment and Conservation of MNRE for supporting Maxine’s temporary housing at the Vailima Botanical Garden Nursery. Our deepest thanks go to the SCS Executive Board members, who provided financial assistance for her care including food and shelter, and to the technical expertise of Dr. Lynn Miller and Karen Baird of SPREP. We thank the three landowners of the Malololelei Conservation Area in particular Tuiaopo Andrew Ah Liki of Blue Bird Lumber and Hardware the owners of the Malololelei Recreation Reserve-, a safe haven for avifauna recovery, a site where a rodent control programme has been underway since 2017 and a forested area with a small existing population of friendly ground doves. This experience has been a hands-on, practical lesson for the SCS team as we continue our efforts to save Samoa’s native species, including the endangered Manumea."

S.C.S encourages the public if they come across any birds that need help, to remember to secure the animal in a safe, quiet space, or use a box with small holes for air circulation. Conduct a quick assessment for injuries, if no injuries, release it back into the wild, at a safe place away from predators. Contact SCS at 7575300 and email us at [email protected] or call MNRE on 67200 for advice