//Right, then,// Jono gave a little glance at the class assembled at the portal this morning, and then nodded his approval. //I know you're probably all either completely knackered or still wound up after our trip to Jurassic World, but today, we're going to be visiting a different sort of wildlife park. One more invested in conservation than sensationalism and baby triceratops petting.//

Don't be fooled, though. Jono had thoroughly enjoyed the baby triceratops petting.

//This week, we'll be taking a trip to New Zealand, where a two-million dollar pest-proof fence is helping local conservationists restore a patch of local forest to protect native fauna. Most notably, the birds.//

"In most versions of Earth…" Hannibal thought about it (Jurassic World, the Savage Land, other possibilities) and corrected himself. "In many versions of Earth, birds are the closest you'll see to dinosaurs. They are thought to be their closest descendants. They come in a very wide variety, though mostly quite a bit smaller." And mostly less predatory than, say, the T Rex or mosasaurus.

//At the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, you'll be liable to catch a glimpse of some of the recovering native species, including the titipounamu, the kaka, and piwakawaka.// All of which were also very fun words to say. Or even to think out loud, as the case might be.

And don't think Hannibal was fooled; you could have mentioned the sparrows or brown creepers, Jono.

//There are also reptiles, plants, and insects that are returning to the area. Things you won't find? Mice. Possums. Feral cats. Anything that man introduced to the area over the years that has been threatening local bird populations. There are pathways to follow, and lookout points. Please, don't stray from them. The goal today is to keep the park just as pristine as it was when we arrived, and not to disturb the recovering wildlife populations.//

"Man's presence in many ecosystems has proved catastrophic, for the species he introduces, the climate changes, and the sheer occupancy of the land. Places such as this one aim to limit or reverse that impact to whatever extent they can." A futile effort in the long run, most likely, but potentially useful in limited areas.

"Please do your best to honor that and listen to the guides if they request you keep away from anything. If you have any questions, feel free to ask." Hannibal spread his hands. "If you're unfamiliar with New Zealand, the local language is primarily English, so the guides will also be able to help."