A bird housed at Zoo Miami has made international headlines after media reports revealed possible mistreatment by handlers and visitors.
New Zealanders complained to Zoo Miami and local officials this week with calls and emails over the zoo’s treatment of a member of the country’s native kiwi species. Zoo Miami was offering $25 kiwi encounter sessions, during which guests could stroke the bird’s head while in a fully lit room.
The videos, posted to social media, outraged New Zealanders because the kiwi is a nocturnal bird that detests bright light. Following the reports, New Zealand’s Department of Conservation told national media that it was raising concerns about the kiwi’s treatment to Zoo Miami officials.
