News from the Atoll

The sound of Tetiaroa is changing

Giving Tuesday 2025

For years, something quiet but worrying was unfolding on Tetiaroa.

Rats slipped into nesting areas at night.
Yellow crazy ants spread across some motu.

Chicks vanished before they could fly, nests were emptied overnight, and some iconic seabirds disappeared for years.

Today, something different is happening.

Visitors, scientists, guides - everyone is noticing it:
the island is starting to feel alive again.

Tiny wings fluttering in the shade of the trees.
White flashes of terns dancing above the lagoon.
Parents feeding chicks where, not long ago, none survived at all.

It didn’t happen by chance.

And it didn’t happen alone.

This Giving Tuesday, we’re sharing the story behind this comeback and why it’s still fragile.

It’s a story of scientists, volunteers, partners, Tetiaroa Society team working side by side. Of motus once overrun by invasive species now showing signs of resilience. Of species returning to nest after years of absence. And of why the next few years will determine everything.

But recovery isn’t guaranteed.

Invasive species are trying to return.

And keeping seabird chicks safe requires constant monitoring, rapid intervention, and year-round protection.

That’s why, this Giving Tuesday, we’ve set an ambitious goal of $20,000

to secure the support needed to protect the next generation of seabirds.

Want to know what changed and what’s still at stake?

See the full story of transformations, challenges & how to help!

When you give, life takes flight

Tetiaroa Society is a US registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID #45-1080688). We host scientific research, develop and implement conservation and education programs, and curate the island's knowledge base. We partner with The Brando to establish Tetiaroa as a model for sustainability, where businesses, non-profits, scientists, educators and the local community work together for common goals. Our program objectives are summarized in our Conservation and Sustainable Use Plan, which is available on our website.