The Moa (Patrick)
Songs & Audio
Moa were large flightless birds that lived in New Zealand. There were several species, ranging from turkey-sized birds to giant moa that stood over three metres tall.
Moa became extinct after Polynesian settlers arrived in New Zealand, around the late 13th century. They were hunted for food, and their bones, feathers and skins were also used. Forest clearance by fire reduced some of the habitats where moa lived.
Because moa reproduced slowly and had no previous experience of human hunters, their populations collapsed quickly. Within roughly one to two centuries, all moa species had disappeared.
Story Role
Patrick is a gentle giant moa who welcomes new arrivals to Infinity. Tall, fluffy and kind-hearted, he is usually the first creature most animals meet when they land on the Island.
Patrick’s job is to meet and greet newly extinct creatures, explain the strange rules of Infinity and help them feel safe when they are frightened or confused. He has travelled widely across the Island and knows a great deal about Infinity, although he does not always understand what it all means. Instead, he recites his speeches and does his job as best he can.
Warm, well-meaning and impossible not to like, Patrick often acts before he thinks and sometimes misunderstands situations. He also hates breaking bad news, which is a pity considering his job.
Despite his huge size, Patrick is surprisingly nervous, especially when it comes to flying on the back of Herc.
Did You Know?
Moa were enormous birds. Some moa species stood over 3.5 metres tall when stretching their necks.
Moa had no wings at all. Unlike ostriches and emus, moa lost even the tiny wing bones that many flightless birds still possess.
Their main predator was a giant eagle. The Haast’s eagle hunted moas and was one of the largest eagles ever known.
