Kiwi heads home after recovery at Wellington Zoo

Haast Tokoeka Kiwi heads home after recovery at Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo has been caring for a Haast Tokoeka Kiwi chick for the last six weeks, who was admitted to The Nest Te Kōhanga for treatment in February.

The young bird, named Aonach, is now healthy and heading back to the South Island today.

Aonach, along with another bird of the same age, Gambit, were flown to the capital to be assessed by Wellington Zoo veterinarians after Department of Conservation (DOC) staff noted poor body condition in both chicks, while undertaking routine checks on a crèche island on Lake Te Anau.

“Both birds arrived to us in poor body condition, and our tests revealed a presence of coccidia (intestinal parasite)”, said Baukje Lenting, Wellington Zoo Veterinarian.

Gambit, the quieter and least responsive of the two, was immediately settled into an incubator and treated intensively with supportive care and IV fluids. Unfortunately his condition continued to deteriorate due to a concurrent coccidial infection of his kidneys, and he didn’t manage to pull through.

Aonach, however, responded well to treatment and began to steadily gain weight.

“He is now bright, active, eating well and weighs a healthy 1.12kg (his arrival weight was 715g),” said Baukje.

Once staff were happy with Aonach’s recovery, it was decided he was fit for flying south – to be released in the crèche at Orokonui Ecosanctuary near Dunedin.

In 2014 Wellington Zoo cared for three Haast Tokoeka Kiwi chicks, all of which made excellent progress during their time in The Nest Te Kōhanga and were able to be returned to the Department of Conservation for release.

“Caring for these precious birds is a very special opportunity, and it’s wonderful to be able to send them back home, fit and healthy,” said Baukje.

“Wellington Zoo has a strong partnership with DOC, which highlights the importance of organisations working together for native species conservation.”

About the Haast Tokoeka Kiwi

• The Haast Tokoeka Kiwi is one of the most endangered Kiwi species and is classified as ‘nationally critical’, with approximately just 400 remaining in the wild.

• Endemic to the West Coast of the South Island, these tough little birds make their home in the Haast ranges; known for their remoteness, steep terrain, and frequent bad weather.

• Most of the area in which they are found is covered by the Haast Kiwi Sanctuary, where they are actively managed through Operation Nest Egg.

ENDS

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