A reality show contestant participating in 'Race to Survive: New Zealand' has stirred controversy after killing and consuming a protected weka bird during filming. The incident involved Spencer “Corry” Jones, an American river guide, who admitted to breaking conservation laws by eating the flightless weka, a threatened species in mainland New Zealand.
'Race to Survive' is a competitive show where teams race across New Zealand's rugged terrain, relying on their survival skills to secure a $500,000 prize. In a moment of desperation and hunger, Jones resorted to consuming the weka, leading to his disqualification from the competition along with his teammate, Oliver Dev.
New Zealand's Department of Conservation issued written warnings to Jones and the show's producers, citing the unique circumstances of fatigue and hunger faced by the contestants. Despite the leniency shown, the department emphasized the gravity of violating conservation laws and put the production company on notice regarding adherence to wildlife protection regulations.
The weka, known for its feisty nature and distinctive call, is a significant part of New Zealand's native wildlife. Due to its vulnerable status and fluctuating populations, the bird is safeguarded by strict legal protections on the mainland.
While the 'Race to Survive' production team had permits to film on conservation land, they were expected to uphold wildlife guidelines, which were communicated to all contestants. Following the incident, the team promptly reported the violation to authorities and took appropriate action by disqualifying the offending participants.
Despite being favored to win, Jones and Dev's disqualification serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting conservation laws and safeguarding New Zealand's unique biodiversity. The incident highlights the vulnerability of native species like the weka, which face threats due to their defenseless nature against predators in the absence of mammalian threats on the island nation.
