Kiwi Bird

Beloved flightless nocturnal symbol of an island nation, the Kiwi has universal appeal. Too bad people’s dogs don’t share their appreciation and wonder. Dogs see prey that can’t fly away and attack and kill Kiwi before the owner can say “Leave it!” The possums are not wholly responsible for Kiwis being endangered; it’s especially the dogs and cats. So the DOC and the Save the Kiwi Foundation create fenced preserves, incubate Kiwi eggs, and practice Hatch and Release. 

We watched a dark enclosure at the Auckland Zoo, waiting for a Kiwi to show. Eventually we observed one, but the photo is too obscure to share.  Interesting people-watching made up for the lack of mascot-bird.