A good month for the Centre…
Despite the bad weather and flooding, this has been another
good month for the Centre with three kiwi chicks being released. The
other chick that was caught in the storm is putting on good weight
and should be ready to send to Limestone Island crèche within the
next week.
The wandering Albatross that was recently found on the coast at
ninety mile beach has also been released, thanks to Dr Ingrid Visser.
Ingrid and two other friends took him well out past the Poor Knights
Islands and set him free. While we had him at the Centre, one of the
biggest jobs was finding fresh fish for him. Some members of the
public generously gave us fresh fish to feed our hungry friend.
Kiwi update
Speaking of fish, it wasn’t hard to say yes when our son
Jeff asked if I would like go fishing with him over the weekend.
While fishing at the Frenchman (in the Whangarei harbour) we were
lucky to hear a male kiwi calling on the ridge near the water. It
has been a long time since I have heard a kiwi calling in this area.
There is a good chance that this kiwi was one that was hatched
either at the Centre or the Auckland Zoo. It just shows that all the
hard work and effort that has gone into introducing kiwi to the
Whangarei Heads area is paying off. Land owners and visitors to the
area can be proud of what has been achieved. It is great to see what
can be gained when everyone works together.
Snoopy our kiwi has had a rash around his face and has not been
on public display since November last year. Snoopy is now 15 years
old and other than the rash he’s in great condition. We still get
requests from people wanting to see him and as soon as his rash has
gone we will create a way for people to see him again. We used to
have display days away from the Centre some years ago and I feel
that this is a very important educational experience. It gives
children a chance to see and touch our national icon. It is also a
great tool to use when trying to inform land owners of what they can
do for kiwi in their areas.
Thank you!
A big thank you to Adrian Gilbert who flew two hawks home to
Rotorua after their time here at the Centre. Over the last three
months we have received six birds from other locations away from
Whangarei. Sea birds are great because we can release them here in
Whangarei. Forest birds however, are a bit different and we like to
send them back to the area they come from. We have been lucky that
we have found ways to get these birds home.
Thanks also to everyone who continues to support the Centre with
funds. Financial assistance enables us to purchase equipment that is
needed at the Centre.
And last but not least, thanks to the Lion Foundation. A recent
grant from the Lion Foundation will see a nice new roof on the
‘hospital building’. With winter just around the corner this grant
has come at the right time. At long last no more leaks!
