Balanced News: ‘Huge mistake’ – Miami zoo cancels kiwi encounters after outcry over treatment

Zoo Miami has cancelled its Kiwi encounters after visitors were seen handling the bird under bright lights. The Department of Conservation had raised concerns over the treatment of the nocturnal creature, which was named after New Zealand environmentalist Paora Haitana. The zoo’s communications director Ron Magill said the decision to offer the encounters was a “huge mistake” and that the zoo had “offended a nation”. The zoo has since apologised and removed the kiwi from public display. Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson asked if New Zealanders were as concerned about kiwi welfare in their own country.