Kiwis For Gardens?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31123, 28 July 1966, Page 1

Kiwis For Gardens?

The Botanic Gardens may become the home for four kiwis. Mr S. E. Mair has offered to provide the quarters, and Cr. P. J. SkeHerup, chairman of the City Council’s parks and recreation committee, will recommend to the next council meeting that the offer be accepted.

Although New Zealanders called themselves “Kiwis,” not many had seen a live kiwi, Mr Mair told Cr. Skellerup recently. This had prompted him to seek the views of the Department of Internal Affairs on the keeping of kiwis in captivity, and he had been told that the de-

partment would co-operate with the council. The department said it would be necessary for a senior officer to discuss details of habitat, feeding, and general care of the birds; and that a maximum of four birds could be given to the gardens. The birds would not be taken specifically, but would be sent to the gardens when they became available, and this could be over quite a long period. This was in line with the policy adopted with the few other centres that held kiwis. The department stipulates that the birds may be put on exhibition only during hours when they will avoid undue exposure to strong light; that if anv bird dies it must be sent to the Canterbury Mu-

seum; that the birds must be kept in suitable enclosures with shelter to simulate natural conditions as far as possible; and that there is control over any infertile or unhatched eggs. “The idea should meet with wide appeal to most adults and to all schoolchildren,” Cr. Skpllerup said last evening. “The only kiwis I have seen have been on display in museums. While some people might object to the keeping of these birds in captivity, I feel it would be fully justified on educational grounds and public interest. "It is not my intention that an aviary any larger than necessary to house the four kiwis adequately should be considered, as I feel that would not be in keeping with the surroundings.”