A rare white kiwi chick has been born - the first to be hatched
in captivity.
The chick, named Manukura, is not an albino but the rare
offspring of some North Island brown kiwis from Little Barrier
Island.
He was born at the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre,
24 kilometres north of Masterton, on May 1, weighing approximately
250 grams.
The Little Barrier Island kiwis were transferred to Pukaha in
May last year.
Elders from the Rangitane o Wairarapa iwi gave the chick his
name, which means "of chiefly status".
Rangitane chief executive Jason Kerehi said tribal elders saw
the white chick as a "tohu" or "sign" of new beginnings.
"Every now and then something extraordinary comes along to
remind you of how special life is," Kerehi said.
"While we're celebrating all 14 kiwis hatched this year,
Manukura is a very special gift."
The chick is the 13th of 14 baby kiwis hatched at the wildlife
centre this season.
Manukura is being hand-reared in Pukaha Mount Bruce's new kiwi
nursery.
He will remain in the nursery until the end of the month.
Visitors can view him in his nocturnal brooder box and at his
daily weigh-in at 2pm.
He will then remain in captivity with other chicks at the centre
for at least four to six months. When he is old enough to protect
itself, he could be released into the sanctuary.
Department of Conservation rangers, who manage the kiwi
programme at the centre, will ensure the best interests of the bird
remain a priority.
"A white kiwi might really stand out, making it more
vulnerable," the department's area manager Chris Lester said.
"We want to ensure that as many people as possible get a chance
to see it, and that we keep it as safe as possible."
