Miami zoo to stop mistreatment of kiwi after concerns raised about welfare

[ad_1]

Zoo Miami has agreed to stop its controversial ‘kiwi encounter’ which involves showing off the nocturnal animal under bright lights and letting guests handle it.

Videos across social media showed the native New Zealand bird, named “Paora”, being displayed to guests of the Florida zoo under bright lights, and letting them handling the kiwi – giving it head scratches as it sits on a table.

The cost of the experience was US$25 ($NZ39).

Paora became the first kiwi to hatch in Miami in 2019 after fertilised kiwi egg was sent to Miami by the Smithsonian in 2019. In 1975, the Smithsonian became the first institution to successfully breed kiwi in captivity outside of New Zealand.

READ MORE:
* Wellington Zoo a step closer to finally getting snow leopards
* Local bird extinctions possible in mega mast ‘crisis’ unless more 1080 funding
* Wellington Zoo says some animals will become extinct without zoos

The bird was named in honour of iwi leader, environmental advocate and hands-on conservationist Paora “Baldy” Haitana. He is the only kiwi at Miami Zoo.

After video emerged, there was widespread outrage about the “Kiwi Encounter” that was marketed on the zoo’s site. On Wednesday morning the zoo released a statement to Webworm journalist David Farrier saying the encounters would cease immediately.

“Please know that your concerns and those expressed by the community have been taken very seriously and as a result, effective immediately, the Kiwi Encounter will no longer be offered,” the statement from Ron Magill, its goodwill ambassador/communications director.

Paora, the first Kiwi chick to be hatched in Florida.

SUPPLIED

Paora, the first Kiwi chick to be hatched in Florida.

Magill also said the zoo would undertake building a suitable environment for Paora.

“We are going to begin the design phase of a new habitat that will address all that he needs. In the meantime, he is being kept in a quiet isolated area where he is able to be in the dark and come out in the evening to explore his habitat.”

Department of Conservation (DOC) director of terrestrial biodiversity Hilary Aikman had previously said that they planned on raising their concerns with the US zoo, via the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), to try to improve the housing and handling situation.

An ad for the kiwi encounter on Miami Zoo's website shows guests getting up close and personal with the bird

Supplied

An ad for the kiwi encounter on Miami Zoo’s website shows guests getting up close and personal with the bird

“Kiwi are a taonga species and are treasured by all New Zealanders,” Aikman said.

“The protection and welfare of kiwi is a high priority.”

Jeseka Christieson, who has started a petition to save the kiwi, said it was mind-blowing that they could treat an animal like this.

“I just feel bad for the little guy.”

[ad_2]

Leave a Comment