 Despite this , the kakapo was also regarded as an affectionate pet by the Māori . This was corroborated by European settlers in New Zealand in the 19th century , among them George Edward Grey , who once wrote in a letter to an associate that his pet kakapo 's behaviour towards him and his friends was " more like that of a dog than a bird " . 
 Despite this , the kakapo was also regarded as an affectionate pet by the Māori . This was corroborated by European settlers in New Zealand in the 19th century , among them George Edward Grey , <a href='null_relcl' title='1'><mark>who</mark></a>once wrote in a letter to an associate that his pet kakapo <a href='null_genetive' title='2'><mark>'s</mark></a>behaviour towards him and his friends was " more like that of a dog than a bird " . 
Despite this , the kakapo was also regarded as an affectionate pet by da Māori . This was corroborated by European settlers in New Zealand in the 19th century , among em George Edward Grey , once wrote in a letter to an associate dat his pet kakapo  behaviour towards him and his friends was " more like that of a dog than a bird " .