Zoo Miami faces criticism for allowing visitors to touch kiwis, resulting in better treatment
2023.05.25 Thu posted at 16:11 JST
（ＣＮＮ） A zoo in Miami, Florida, has issued an apology, saying it will stop touching New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, after it was criticized for letting visitors touch it.
The protest was triggered by a video posted on social media by the Miami Zoo. Kiwi “Paola” in the video was kept awake by artificial lights and touched by visitors.
Wildlife photographer Holly Neal, who posted the video on Twitter, said the kiwi in the video was “nocturnal but kept awake during the day. I ran into a dark box and the lid was opened.” I got angry.
“For US$23.36, the Miami Zoo will force you to touch a nocturnal, endangered kiwi under artificial lighting. I am very upset with the situation this kiwi is in.” (Neil) Mr. Miss)
Southern brown kiwi probing the ground with its long beak
Conservation groups say New Zealand’s kiwi population has plummeted from about 12 million to around 68,000.
An online petition called “Save the Abused Kiwis” was soon launched and thousands of signatures were collected.
The movement has caught the attention of the New Zealand government, with the Conservation Service tweeting that it will “consult with the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums to address concerns regarding its care and treatment.”
In response to the criticism, the Miami Zoo issued a statement apologizing and said it would immediately stop interacting with the kiwis. There is always a place to hide, and he promised to proceed with a plan to build a kennel that respects the instincts of nature.
News of Paola’s plight reached New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. “People should be proud of our national bird abroad and take action when kiwis are being abused,” Hipkins told reporters.
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2023-05-25 07:11:00
