Tuesday, 18 February, 2014 - 11:15
Wellington Zoo recently welcomed three juvenile Brown Teal (PÄteke) to The Nest Te KÅhanga for a health screening.
PÄteke are a small duck species endemic to New Zealand. Once widespread throughout the country, they are now our rarest waterfowl species on the mainland.
"There are fewer than 2500 PÄteke left, which makes our work with them a very special opportunity," explained Wellington Zoo Veterinarian Baukje Lenting.
"On physical examination all the birds were a good weight and looked healthy. We’re now waiting for the faecal sample results to come back, so we can then determine the next course of action," added breeder Craig Shepherd.
The three PÄteke are in quarantine on Craig’s private property in Wellington, and once given a clean bill of health will make the journey down south to Peacock Springs Wildlife Park - part of the Department of Conservation’s breed for restoration plan for the birds. The PÄteke will eventually be restored to various release sites in the South Island.
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