Geoffrey Orbell facts for kids

Geoffrey Buckland Orbell (7 October 1908 – 14 August 2007) was a New Zealand doctor. He loved hiking, also known as bush walking. Dr. Orbell is famous for finding the takahē bird again in 1948. This bird was thought to be extinct, meaning it had died out completely.

Orbell's Early Life and Career

Geoffrey Orbell grew up on a farm in Pukeuri, near Oamaru, in New Zealand. His father was a farmer. His mother, Rachel Buckland, was an artist who painted with watercolours.

He went to Waitaki Boys' High School and Christ's College. Later, he studied medicine at the University of Otago in Dunedin. He continued his medical training in Australia and London. Dr. Orbell became a specialist doctor for ears, eyes, nose, and throat. He worked in Invercargill for many years.

The Search for the Takahē

The takahē is a large, flightless bird native to New Zealand. It had not been seen since 1898. Most people believed the takahē was extinct. But Geoffrey Orbell thought it might still be alive. He had been interested in this rare bird since he was a child. He read many books and articles about it.

Dr. Orbell believed the takahē could be hiding in the Murchison Mountains. This area is west of Lake Te Anau. In April 1948, he went into these mountains with his friends Rex Watson and Neil McCrostie. Orbell heard bird calls he did not know. He also found tracks that made him think the takahē was still there.

An adult and young takahē bird together.

The same group, plus Joan Telfer, returned in November 1948. While searching, Orbell found new footprints. He also heard a strange bird call again. He followed the footprints carefully. On November 20, 1948, he found three takahē birds in a hidden valley. This was a very important rediscovery! A lake in that valley was later named Lake Orbell to honor him.

Public Service and Recognition

Geoffrey Orbell helped start the New Zealand Deerstalkers' Association. This group works to protect deer and their habitats. He was their first president from 1938 to 1952.

He also served his community in other ways. In 1941, he was elected to the Invercargill City Council. This council helps manage the city. In 1944, he joined the first board of the Invercargill Licensing Trust. This trust manages alcohol sales in the area.

In 1953, Dr. Orbell was given a special award. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was for his important scientific work, especially finding the takahē.

He stopped working as a doctor when he was 70 years old. He had practiced medicine for 46 years. In his later years, he lived in Mosgiel, near Dunedin. Geoffrey Orbell passed away on August 14, 2007. He is buried in Invercargill.

Orbell's Family Life

In 1935, Geoffrey Orbell married Sheila Houston. They had four children together. His aunt, Jessie Buckland, was a well-known photographer. His grandfather, John Buckland, was a politician in New Zealand.