A zoo in the United States has apologised and stopped offering kiwi encounters immediately after a video on social media prompted backlash from New Zealanders.
Zoo Miami in Florida has been running kiwi encounter experiences with its bird, Paora, which is named in honour of conservationist Paora "Baldy" Haitana.
New Zealand wildlife photographer Holly Neill re-shared a video originally posted on TikTok of the kiwi encounter at the zoo and criticised the treatment of the bird.
"It's being kept awake during the day despite being a nocturnal species," she said on Twitter.
"When it runs to hide in a dark box, they open the lid. It's so upsetting to see taonga (native species) treated like this."
The popularity of the post prompted New Zealand's Department of Conservation to reassure people it would raise concerns about the housing and handling of Paora with the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
However, it said offshore kiwis were managed separately.
In a statement, Zoo Miami said it had stopped its kiwi encounter experience and offered a "profound and sincere apology".
"The concerns expressed have been taken very seriously and as a result, effective immediately, the Kiwi Encounter will no longer be offered," the zoo said.
"Though Paora has thrived at Zoo Miami while receiving the best care available, the development of the Kiwi Encounter was, in hindsight, not well conceived with regard to the national symbolism of this iconic animal and what it represents to the people of New Zealand, especially the Maori."
Kiwi encounters were being offered for $US23.36 ($35) in addition to entry to the zoo. The option has now been removed from the zoo's website.
The zoo said Paora was normally kept out of public view and in an area that enabled him to remain in relative darkness during the day.
"Plans are presently underway to build a special habitat for him that will continue to provide him with the shelter that he needs while respecting and supporting his natural instincts," the zoo said.
