A second white kiwi was born last Sunday at New Zealand's national wildlife centre. Earlier this year in May, the first ever white kiwi named Manukura was hatched at Pukaha Mount Bruce wildlife. They have named the 2nd white kiwi Mauriora.
According to the Pukaha wildlife center, the two white kiwis are actually related.
“Both white birds have the same father, who we have identified through his transmitter,” Mr. Darren Page said. “We can’t identify the mother but assume she is the same because of the rarity of the white gene.”
Eleven kiwi have hatched at the centre so far this season and with at least four months to go, more are expected. However, kiwis face potential extinction from predators that are also killing many other native bird species.
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According to the Pukaha wildlife center, the two white kiwis are actually related.
“Both white birds have the same father, who we have identified through his transmitter,” Mr. Darren Page said. “We can’t identify the mother but assume she is the same because of the rarity of the white gene.”
Eleven kiwi have hatched at the centre so far this season and with at least four months to go, more are expected. However, kiwis face potential extinction from predators that are also killing many other native bird species.
Source:
