The sole surviving kiwi of a group of nine rowi which had been brought to Wellington Zoo for treatment has died.
The birds were brought to the zoo from Motuara Island in the Marlborough Sounds in August to receive medical treatment for dermatitis.
Last week, eight of the birds died of a respiratory illness after inhaling the fungus Aspergillus in the bark they were being housed on.
The surviving kiwi was believed to have remained alive because it was off its food and not foraging in the bark.
Wellington Zoo Veterinary Science Manager Lisa Argilla says the zoo is deeply saddened by the deaths.
"This little rowi was hanging in there – he was a real fighter, this bird. However he was in critical condition.
"We kept him as comfortable as possible while he was struggling with the infection in his lungs, but sadly he didn’t make it," she says.
Dr Argilla says the post-mortem showed signs consistent with a respiratory tract infection.
Wellington Zoo and the Department of Conservation are working together to share the learning from this case with other care providers.
The population of rowi kiwi is believed to be about 400.
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