Whio chicks on display at Pukaha Mt Bruce for 30 d

17 January 2008

Whio chicks on display at Pukaha Mt Bruce for 30 days

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Staff at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre in northern Wairarapa are excited to announce that four nine-week-old whio/blue duck ducklings are on display at the centre before they are returned to their natural habit in Taranaki.

Visitors have 30 days from today to see this rare endangered species, expected to become a regular sight into the future.

With only 640 pairs of whio/blue duck in the North Island and less than 700 in the South Island they are considered a nationally endangered species. Five eggs were recovered from a spot close to a road late last year and brought to Pukaha Mt Bruce where four hatched in November. Captive breeding ranger Raelene Berry considers them to be mature enough be placed on display for the public to view. While on display they will be conditioning and acclimating to an environment similar to the wild.

“One of only three species in the world who live year-long on fast flowing rivers, we needed to modify our recently vacated Campbell Island teal pens to simulate the local environment.” said Ms Berry. “Over the next few years we plan to continue to with Operation Nest Egg and we hope to have a pair of breeding ducks within the next 1-2 years”.

Public are encouraged to come to Pukaha Mt Bruce to view the chicks either early morning or later in the afternoon due to the midday heat.

Pukaha Mt Bruce: State Highway Two, Wairarapa
Opening hours: 9am – 4.30pm

Find out more about Pukaha Mount Bruce on the DOC website: www.doc.govt.nz>parks and recreation>places to visit>wellington>wairarapa

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