Nenes used to be more common. Prior to 1778 (when Capt. James Cook arrived) there were about 25,000 Nene. By the mid 1900's, wild Nene numbered less than 30. Breeding programs at Slimbridge in England and Pohakuloa, Hawaii have helped bring the current population in Hawaii up to about 3,000 birds.

The Nene is one of 30 birds species in Hawaii classified by both the State and Federal government as an endangered species. It is Hawaii's state bird, which adds a special impetus to its preservation as a symbol of native Hawaiian wildlife. It is also the only goose endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago which exists; at least eight other endemic goose species are known to have become extinct. As with all geese, the Nene is monomorphic. That is, the sexes are nearly identical in appearance, with the male being somewhat larger. Taken at the GVZ in Aldergrove, B.C.