The Three Cheeses - pt. 2 🧀

Our show rats, Pecorino, Halloumi, and Brie, play a vital role in our daily conservation shows, helping us highlight the impact of introduced species on Aotearoa New Zealand’s native wildlife.

While pest species pose a serious threat to our ecosystems, these wee guys are still part of our Kiwi Park whānau and do an amazing job educating visitors about the challenges our native species face. 🐀

#wildlife #conservation #newzealand #wildlifeconservation ...

You`re a little far from home, mate!

Meet Bert, our South Island Pied Oystercatcher! Bert is an ex-rehabilitation bird who, unfortunately, can`t be released back into the wild, but he`s found a loving home here at Kiwi Park.

Pied Oystercatchers typically live in coastal areas, but when breeding season comes around, they venture inland over the Alps to nest along rivers and farmland. So, while Bert might seem a little out of place, he`s not too far from where his wild counterparts would come to do their business. 😉

When wildlife can`t return to the wild, we are happy welcome them into our Kiwi Park family. Bert has settled in well and even has some scaup friends that keep him company.

He’s a bit of an elusive character, though, so if you’re visiting the park, you might hear him before you see him! Keep your ears open for his calls, and you might just spot him.

#birds #wildlife #newzealand #aotearoa #conservation ...

Who doesn`t love a little duck butt wiggle?! 🦆

🤳 credit @british_columbiana

#birdlife #wildlife #conservation #newzealand #birds ...

Our girl Pebbles 🦜

The Antipodes Island parakeet is one of only five ground-dwelling parrots in the world. Native to the remote Antipodes Islands, these curious and clever birds spend most of their time foraging on the ground for seeds, leaves, and insects.

Pebbles might not have mastered the art of turning on taps just yet, but her playful, inquisitive nature is exactly what makes this species so unique.

#parakeet #wildlife #nativebirds #newzealand #conservation ...

Kiwi bird check-up… with a side of sass 👀

Here’s our kiwi Atawhai getting her eyes checked as part of her regular health check. This is how we safely and quickly uplift our kiwi from their burrows, making sure they’re healthy and thriving.

Kiwi are known for being a bit vocal when they’re not thrilled, and Atawhai definitely let us know how she felt about it with that little hiss at the end. 😅

Even if they’re not always fans of the process, these check-ups help us give these birds the best care possible.

#wildlife #kiwibird #newzealand #conservation ...

Hungry eyes 👀

Ruru/morepork have some big ol` peepers that help them see in low light, making them awesome nocturnal hunters. Unlike humans, their eyes can`t actually move in their sockets, so they rotate their heads, sometimes up to 270 degrees, to take in their surroundings and search for food.

These guys can give you some pretty funny looks sometimes.

#owl #birds #morepork #conservation #wildlife ...