A citizen-led project is reintroducing the kiwi, New Zealand’s iconic bird, to the hills of Wellingtonfrom where it had disappeared around 150 years ago, and hundreds of birds have already been released into the wild.
The Capital Kiwi project enabled the transfer of 250 birds to the Wellington Hills, with the aim of restoring the presence of this emblematic species in the region.
“They are part of who we are and how we feel connected to this place,” says Paul Wardfounder of the Capital Kiwi Project, a charitable organizationence.
Before being released into the wild, some of these birds were presented in the New Zealand Parliamentin a moment that brought together political leaders and students.
The release into the wild comes after the success of the species in protected natural sanctuaries, which no longer have the capacity to accommodate more birds.
Em Wellington, Kiwis are now starting to adapt to their habitat and have already been seen in areas close to the city.
It is from this bird that New Zealanders get the name by which they are often known.
It is a shy bird with an unusual appearance, with underdeveloped wings and a face covered in fine feathers, like whiskers.
Calculate-I know that, Before humans arrived in New Zealand, there were around 12 million of these animals roaming the landscape. Currently, there are around 70 thousand across the country.
