The Miami Zoo (Florida) has had no choice but to apologize for a controversial viral video showing a kiwi, considered New Zealand's national bird, in broad daylight while being caressed by several visitors, despite which is a nocturnal animal.
"First, on behalf of everyone at Zoo Miami, please accept our deepest and most sincere apology for the stress caused by a social media video showing the handling and housing of Paora, the kiwi bird currently in our care." , the institution wrote in a statement.
After the criticism received, the zoo has promised that they will take into account all the "concerns expressed and that the Kiwi Encounter, an activity organized by the zoo in which visitors can get up close to the bird, will no longer be offered.
As indicated by Local 10 television in South Florida on Wednesday, citing a New Zealand media outlet, public visits to Paora have occurred four times a week since 2020, for about 10 or 15 minutes.
The video has caused a stir among the New Zealand authorities. “The development of the Kiwi Encounter was not well conceived with respect to the national symbolism of this iconic animal and what it represents to the people of New Zealand, especially the Maori, having been honored to host the Honorable New Zealand Ambassador to the US. USA”, continues the institution in its statement.
The Government of New Zealand has accepted these explanations. Speaking to US media, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the zoo's apology showed they were "taking it seriously."
The kiwi bird is made up of five species endemic to New Zealand. They are small flightless birds, about the size of a chicken. This paleognathous bird is considered an unofficial national emblem of the country and is a "national icon".
From the zoo, they promise to take care of Paora in the best way: “We are the first facility in the state of Florida to successfully incubate a kiwi as part of a partnership with the Smithsonian National Zoo. We are happy to have watched him grow and prosper in our care and are committed to providing him with the best environment possible while respecting and honoring all he stands for."
