Internet sensation Moana the albatross has taken flight from her webcam installation at Taiaroa Head near Dunedin, on a long journey across the seas.
The northern royal albatross was beamed to the world after she hatched in January this year - with the Department of Conservation's (DOC) royal cam webpage receiving more than 500,000 views.
DOC ranger Lyndon Perriman says the webcam will remain at the site.
"While we won't be able to film Moana, there will be other albatross at Taiaroa Head preparing their nests for the next season," he said.
"Although Moana has left, we're looking forward to seeing which birds breed next season and who will be our next albatross star."
Moana left her nest today to fly towards South American waters and will spend four to 10 years at sea. But she may eventually return to Taiaroa Head to breed and raise a chick.
Moana fans from New Zealand and Australia will visit the Royal Albatross Centre in Dunedin on 17 September for a "fledging party", to mark her departure.
Newshub.
