Holding a kiwi is generally prohibited in New Zealand without special permits. The kiwi is a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand and a national symbol. However, they are also an endangered species, so there are strict regulations around interacting with them in order to protect them.
Why can’t you hold a kiwi?
There are a few key reasons why holding a kiwi is restricted:
- Kiwis are very sensitive to stress and human contact. Being held can raise their heart rate and stress levels, which can be dangerous to their health.
- They have bones that are hollow and fragile. If held wrong or grasped too hard, their bones can easily break.
- Their feathers lack a preen gland. This means they rely on dust baths to keep their feathers in good condition. The oils and dirt on human hands can damage their feathers.
- They are prone to disease. Transferring anything from humans can make kiwis sick.
- They have sharp claws for digging. When startled they can scratch or kick, injuring themselves or people holding them.
Due to these reasons, human interaction is kept to a minimum to avoid causing harm to kiwis.
Are there any exceptions?
There are a couple of exceptions where holding a kiwi may be allowed:
- Some wildlife sanctuaries have permits allowing visitors to hold a kiwi for a very brief photo opportunity. This is tightly controlled for the kiwi’s safety.
- Qualified wildlife experts may handle kiwi for research, medical treatment, or conservation purposes. This requires permits and training to properly handle the birds.
However, outside of controlled exceptions like these, it is an offence under the Wildlife Act to hold or disturb a kiwi without authorization.
Rules and regulations about holding kiwi
New Zealand has strict regulations in place to protect kiwi through the Wildlife Act 1953 and the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989. Here are some of the key rules:
Permits are required
Any interaction with kiwi in the wild requires permits issued by the Department of Conservation. Permits allow activities like:
- Research work involving capturing and handling kiwi
- Transferring kiwi between authorized institutions like wildlife parks
- Taking blood or feather samples for authorized studies
Permits help control and monitor all human interaction with kiwi.
Only qualified experts may handle kiwi
Due to their fragility and sensitivity, only experts with specialized training may handle kiwi. These experts include:
- Department of Conservation staff
- Research scientists studying kiwi
- Wildlife veterinarians treating injured kiwi
- Zookeepers trained in kiwi rehabilitation
Extensive training and guidance exists for properly restraining, holding, and releasing kiwi to minimize stress and injuries.
Fines for unauthorized handling
There are heavy fines if you hold a kiwi without proper authorization:
- Up to $100,000 fine for disturbing or harassing protected wildlife
- Up to $50,000 fine for unauthorized possession of protected wildlife
These fines reflect how seriously New Zealand takes kiwi conservation.
How can you observe kiwi safely?
There are a few ways visitors to New Zealand can safely see kiwi in the wild without disturbing them:
Go on an authorized kiwi spotting tour
Guided night tours allow small groups to quietly search for kiwi as they leave their burrows to forage. Experienced guides minimize disruption and ensure no one approaches or touches the birds. Popular places include:
- Okarito Kiwi Tours on the West Coast
- Kaikoura Kiwi Encounter Tours
- Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua
Visit a wildlife park
Many zoos and wildlife parks have kiwi as part of their exhibits, including:
- Auckland Zoo
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch
- Zealandia in Wellington
- West Coast Wildlife Centre
As these birds are used to human contact, visitors may be able to observe them up close.
See captive kiwi rehabilitation
Some facilities allow the public to see kiwi chicks and injured adults as they recover and undergo rehabilitation before release. Two great options are:
- Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua
- Wellington Zoo after dark behind the scenes tour
Watching the work being done to save this vulnerable species is very memorable.
Why is holding kiwi harmful for them?
There are a few key reasons why handling kiwi causes harm, even if done with care.
Their stress levels increase
- Being held by humans is frightening and highly stressful for kiwi.
- It can cause a surge in their heart rate, body temperature and metabolism.
- Ongoing stress weakens their immune systems and causes other health issues.
Their feathers get damaged
- Kiwi constantly maintain their feathers to retain insulation and waterproofing.
- The oils and dirt on human hands ruins feather conditioning.
- This affects their ability to stay warm and dry.
Broken bones are common
- Their bones are extremely fragile and easily fractured if grasped too firmly.
- Broken wings and legs can prevent them from foraging and finding mates.
Disease risks increase
- Humans can transfer foreign pathogens and parasites to kiwi through direct contact.
- Sick kiwi often die due to lack of reserves to fight infection.
For vulnerable kiwi, any unnecessary human interaction poses risks to their health and survival. That’s why stringent rules exist to keep handling to an absolute minimum.
Kiwi conservation efforts in New Zealand
Protecting kiwi has become a major conservation priority in New Zealand. Some key efforts include:
Operation Nest Egg
This nationwide program removes kiwi eggs from the wild for incubation and hatching in predator-proof facilities. The chicks are raised for 6-10 months before release back into the wild. This boosts juvenile survival.
Year | Chicks hatched |
---|---|
2014 | 87 |
2015 | 102 |
2016 | 125 |
Predator control
Mass trapping, poisoning and shooting of predators like stoats and ferrets reduces kiwi chick predation. For example, a program on Kapiti Island cut weka numbers by 90% benefitting kiwi.
Public awareness campaigns
Campaigns like ‘Save the Kiwi’ teach New Zealanders how to get involved in community conservation efforts for local kiwi populations.
Animal tracking
Upfitting kiwi with radio transmitters allows monitoring of wild populations, identification of threat hotspots, and guiding of management efforts.
Kiwi sanctuaries
Predator-free fenced sanctuaries and nature reserves have been established solely focused on boosting kiwi numbers. Some key sites are:
- Zealandia eco-sanctuary in Wellington
- Rainforest Kiwi Reserve near Rotorua
- Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary
These efforts have helped stabilize some kiwi populations. But ongoing work is critical to ensure the national bird’s future survival.
Interesting facts about kiwi
Here are some fascinating facts about this unique and iconic bird:
- Kiwi are the only bird with nostrils at the tip of their beak.
- They have excellent hearing and sense of smell, but poor eyesight.
- Their feathers lack barbicels, so look more like fur or hair.
- Egg shells take up 20% of female kiwi body weight before laying.
- Kiwi call to each other at night with a piercing, high-pitched ‘keew-keew’.
- Brown kiwi are the only birds with whiskers.
- The little spotted kiwi is the smallest at just over 1kg in weight.
- Great spotted kiwi are the largest, up to 3.3kg.
Conclusion
In summary, it is illegal to hold a kiwi in New Zealand without proper permits due to the harm it causes these endangered birds. While observing or even touching a kiwi may seem exciting, it causes immense stress for them. All responsible tourists and New Zealanders should follow the rules restricting contact, while supporting kiwi conservation efforts across the country. With proper education, regulation and habitat management, the treasured kiwi can be preserved for future generations.