New Zealand Opens First Dedicated Kiwi Hospital in Kerikeri

The facility marks a significant step in conservation efforts, aiming to rehabilitate injured kiwi birds and bolster the species' population.

The kiwi hospital in Kerikeri, New Zealand, is the country's first facility dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of kiwi birds, addressing a critical need for specialized care.
Launched in collaboration with local communities and the Kiwi Coast initiative, the hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art veterinary facilities and staffed by dedicated volunteers.
The Northland brown kiwi population has shown promising growth, moving from 'nationally vulnerable' to 'not threatened', thanks to rigorous pest control and conservation efforts.
The hospital treated its first patient, a kiwi chick named 'Splash' who fell into a swimming pool, even before its official opening, highlighting the urgent need for such a facility.
Conservationists warn that despite the positive trends, sustained efforts are necessary to prevent the kiwi from sliding back into a threatened status, emphasizing the importance of the hospital in the broader conservation strategy.