News Release

Exotic Birds Star in New Show

Rotorua, 12 September, 2011

A flock of five species of exotic birds are in training at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park in Rotorua preparing to become stars of a new free-flight bird show due to take off early next year.

The bird show is part of a new multi-million dollar development at the park that also includes a 'Big Splash' water ride taking visitors through an ecological evolution of New Zealand, a new reptile enclosure and an interactive children's playground. The $10 million plus project is the largest single investment that has been made in the park since it opened in 1932.

Construction of an outdoor, 384-seat auditorium to house the bird show is nearing completion, and this is where a variety of exotic birds will entertain visitors with their free-flying skills, interaction with trainers, talking and dancing.

"We are sure the bird show will be a great hit with visitors of all ages to Rainbow Springs, and complimented with the new outdoor arena it will make a great addition to the park," says Michelle Caldwell, General Manager Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park.

"The birds are all shaping up to be absolute stars and they will delight and amuse everyone with their cheeky antics."

Professional animal and bird trainer Bruce Ireland recently visited Rainbow Springs to help with the birds’ training. Bruce has been monitoring the progress of the birds and has designed an in depth training plan to help build the bond between the birds and their trainer, therefore making them easier to teach.

The team at Rainbow Springs is currently in the initial stages of the training and there has already been significant progress in the birds’ behavior. All of the birds have developed a rapport with the two trainers and can be handled, fly to their trainer's hand on cue and follow the trainers around the enclosure.

Charlie, a Sulphur-crested cockatoo enjoys performing for rewards such as a tickle under his wing. He's already leading the 'cute' stakes stepping onto his trainer’s boot to be lifted up, dancing and will pick a coin out of a person’s hand, then walk along his perch and drop it in a bucket.

The show will also feature a Macaw parrot called MJ and an Amazon Parrot called Evie.

The next stage of training will see the birds flying from hand-to-hand and to perches on cue, as well as other 'stage show' behaviour.

Rainbow Springs will run the free-flight bird shows, twice-daily, with each lasting approximately 20-25 minutes.

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park is an icon of New Zealand tourism and has been open since 1932. Spread over 22 acres of Rotorua parkland, Rainbow Springs is a conservation and breeding haven for endangered New Zealand species such as Kiwi and tuatara. The park offers a unique wildlife experience for visitors, who can see animals in their natural environment, both during the day and night. Features of the award winning tourist attraction include New Zealand’s first ‘open to view’ Kiwi hatchery, and a range of wildlife including trout, tuatara and native birds.

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