Zoo Miami Apologizes for Mishandling of Kiwi, Cancels Public Encounters

Zoo Miami issued an apology after video showed a kiwi bird named Paora being improperly handled and exposed to harsh lighting during public encounters.
New Zealanders expressed outrage over the mistreatment of their national bird and launched a petition to help the kiwi that received over 10,000 signatures.
The zoo cancelled its kiwi encounter program and plans to build a special habitat that meets the bird’s needs for darkness and limits human contact.
New Zealand's Department of Conservation and the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums will discuss the situation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The controversy demonstrates the sensitivity around animal diplomacy efforts and the need to ensure high standards of care when zoos take in animals from other countries.