Photo: Accredited Kiwi Coast Kiwi Handler, Jane Hutchings releases Awhi back on Moturua Island
Kiwi Coast’s Kiwi Rehabilitation Centre has had a happy ending for its first patient of the year.
On January the 24th a member of the public on Motorua Island was out taking photos of saddlebacks when she spotted a kiwi looking worse for wear on the ground in daylight.
The Department of Conservation’s hotline was phoned for advice, who agreed the kiwi needed help. DOC sent out their boat to collect the bird and take it into the Bay of Islands vets for an examination.
After some treatment at the vets, the kiwi was then transferred to Kiwi Coast’s dedicated kiwi rehabilitation center near Kerikeri for rest and recuperation.
The Kiwi Coast rehab crew were delighted to see the kiwi make a speedy recovery, feeding well in the outdoor pens and quickly returning to usual patterns of activity.
It was time for the kiwi to return to its island home. Kiwi Coast accredited kiwi handler Jane Hutchings accompanied the young bird on the DOC boat back to the island and assisted with its release. Jane reports:
“The lady who first found the young kiwi was delighted to see him return in full health. She named him Awhi, meaning to care for, embrace and cherish.
“We have since had two more kiwi come into the Rehab Centre. This hot dry summer can be tough on them as they work hard to find food and water. They are both doing well, and we hope they too can return home soon.”
At this time of year some kiwi may be out early in the evenings to start their nightly foraging, which can also increase risks of dog encounters and vehicle strikes.
What you can do to help:
- If you see a kiwi in distress, ring the DOC hotline (0800 DOC HOT – 0800 362 468) to get advice. Not all kiwi out in the day need help, but a quick call might just save a kiwi’s life.
- Help support the rehabilitation and recovery of wild Northland kiwi – become a kiwi rehab sponsor!
