Wellington Airport Retires ‘Lordโ of the Rings’ Creatures, Installs Giantโ huia Bird Sculpture
Wellington, New Zealand – October 3, 2024, 12:06 โPM NZDT – Wellington Airport has removed its iconic sculptures of dragons, trolls, and other fantastical creatures from The Lord of โthe Rings and The โขHobbit film franchises, replacing them with a massive sculpture of the now-extinct huia bird. โขThe change, completedโค recently, has โsparked reaction from fans of the beloved filmโค series.
For over โtwo decades, the airport’s ceiling showcased figures inspired byโฃ Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptationsโ of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s works, becoming a โpopular attraction for tourists and aโค symbol of New Zealand’s association with the films.Theโ huia, a native bird โขrevered byโ Mฤori for its unique beauty and โขspiritual importance, represents a shift towards celebrating New Zealand’s naturalโค heritage and acknowledging itsโ conservation challenges. โฃThe airport stated the decision serves as an “ironic wink” to those still hoping to spot Gandalf among the clouds.
The huia, known โfor its striking plumage and distinct beak shape-different betweenโค males and females-was declared extinct in 1907, largely due to โฃoverhunting and โคhabitat loss. The โคsculpture, created by Weta Workshop, โขtheโข same companyโค responsible for the original film creatures, aims to raise awarenessโข about Newโ Zealand’s endangered species and the importanceโค of biodiversity.
The airport’s initial installation of the film-inspired sculptures followed the global success of The Lord ofโ the โRings trilogy, beginning with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001.The displayโ quickly became a signature feature,attracting visitors eager to immerse โthemselves in the world of Middle-earth. โThe removal of these โฃfigures marks the end ofโ an era โขfor the airport โand a new โคchapter focused on honoring New Zealand’s unique natural habitat.