Orokonui’s kiwi chicks progressing well

Orokonui Ecosanctuary’s recent kiwi chick health check went incredibly well. DOC, Orokonui staff and volunteers caught 8 kiwi chicks all of which were in good condition. The fact that they have all put on good weight is a strong indicator that Orokonui is a great crèche providing excellent habitat and husbandry. Elton Smith, Ecosanctuary Conservation Manager says “It is a credit to my staff and volunteers what has been achieved with much hard work since the construction of the internal kiwi crèche fence a year ago”. Staff have spent around 1400 hours and volunteers thousands more in the last year caring for kiwi chicks. The Ecosanctuary anticipates receiving another 3 kiwi chicks in April to bring the crèche total to twelve – just two under the creche’s capacity.

Habitat is rich in the soil invertebrates that kiwi eat and skilled husbandry ensures the chicks stay healthy. Orokonui now has 3 approved kiwi handlers on staff two of which are approved to dose for parasites. Staff have between them more than 19 years in avian care including kiwi, takahe and kaka. Adding to this expertise are the vet nursing qualifications of Orokonui’s new weekend receptionist, Yvonne Waller.

The role of the kiwi crèche at Orokonui is to grow the chicks to at least 1.2kg at which size they can defend themselves from most stoats, their main predator, and be returned to South Westland or to an appropriate Island. The provision of safe and healthy habitat is vital in the conservation of this rarest of kiwi species, the Haast tokoeka.

As well as the kiwi crèche Orokonui hosts a population of young Haast tokoeka adults which were brought into the sanctuary in 2010 - 2012 to establish a breeding population. These 20 birds live on the other side of the kiwi crèche fence and are doing their own thing with no human interference. DOC will do an audit in 2017 to see how successful breeding has been.

The Haast tokoeka prorammes are a collaboration between the Ecosanctuary, DOC, Makaawhio of South Westland and Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki of Karitane.

ENDS

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