2 Feb, 2018 5:30am
A pair of endangered whio have
just landed at Rotorua's Rainbow Springs.
The breeding pair of native blue
ducks were welcomed by Ngāi Tahu Tourism, owner of Rainbow Springs, which is
thrilled to have them.
This is the first time the
attraction has had whio in residence.
Whio are found only in New
Zealand, and are rarer than some species of kiwi.
They are classified as endangered,
with an estimated population of 2000 to 3000 birds.
The pair have come from the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Peacock Springs, Canterbury, and will be housed in a large aviary with kaka and sacred kingfishers.
Rainbow Springs wildlife programme
manager Mark Paterson said it was exciting, not just for Rainbow Springs, but
for all of Rotorua.
"These are so rare, you
never get to see them. For me, what's most exciting is having the opportunity
to contribute to conservation of the species.
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