9 October 2013

Wellington Zoo saddened by rowi death

A rowi kiwi has died this week at Wellington Zoo from a respiratory tract infection.

The young bird was one of nine rowi sent to The Nest Te Kōhanga by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in August for investigation of dermatitis. While at the Zoo, these young kiwi contracted a respiratory infection. Eight of the birds died from the infection last month.

Wellington Zoo Veterinary Science Manager Lisa Argilla said the Zoo is deeply saddened by the deaths.

“This little rowi was hanging in there – he was a real fighter, this bird. However he was in critical condition,” said Lisa Argilla.

“We kept him as comfortable as possible while he was struggling with the infection in his lungs, but sadly he didn’t make it.”

Dr Argilla has advised that a post-mortem was conducted which showed signs consistent with a respiratory tract infection. Wellington Zoo and DOC are working together to share the learning from this case with other care providers.

About Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is New Zealand's first Zoo, established in 1906, and is Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation. Home to over 500 native and exotic animals, Wellington Zoo became a charitable trust in 2003.

Wellington Zoo became the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo in May 2013.

Wellington Zoo is an accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

ENDS

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