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Rare White Kiwi New Zealand

Earlier this month, the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Center in New Zealand welcomed a rare white Kiwi chick. Named Manukura, the 8 ounce chick exhibits a recessive gene, which makes its hair-like feathers appear white instead of the typical brown color. White Kiwis are rare in the wild. Pukaha Center officials think this may be the first white Kiwi ever born in captivity.

Manukura the White Kiwi Chick

Photo and video credits: Mike Heydon of Jet Photography

The Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Center works to protect and restore native flora and fauna, which includes a Kiwi breeding and reintroduction program. To help contribute to the care of little Manukura, and future Kiwis, consider donating here or at least friend the little bird on Facebook!

5 responses to “Rare White Kiwi Chick Born in New Zealand”

  1. Joel Avatar
    Joel

    I just love kiwis, and I love the New Zealand accent. Manukara is indeed very “spicial”, a rare treat.

  2. papango Avatar
    papango

    Churr, bro.

  3. Chari Mercier Avatar
    Chari Mercier

    Well, I know who will be ecstatic to hear about this kiwi chick!! Kathy Brader at National Zoo in DC, USA! If she had the chance, she would get a plane ticket and fly to New Zealeand just to see this rare kiwi in person! Hoping that this chick will live a very long life at Pukaha and be a great ambassador for all of the kiwis in New Zealand, and in other zoos and sanctuaries. What does Manukura mean in Maori? Is this chick a boy or girl? Hope you all can find out those answers for me! Congrats to the Pukaha staff!! Take very good care of this chick! This chick is a one in a million special kiwi!
    Chari Mercier 🙂
    St. Pete, FL

  4. Lisa Avatar

    Hi Chari – Yes Manukura is very special. The name Manukura means “of chiefly status”. Also, manu means bird and kura means feather in Te Reo Maori. Not know yet whether a boy or girl. Keep in touch via Manukura Little White Kiwi and Pukaha Facebook pages or http://www.pukaha.org.nz More pics coming tomorrow. Thanks for your interest, Lisa at Pukaha.

  5. Glenda Avatar
    Glenda

    I wonder how many kiwi birds there are in New Zealand?
    And it absolutely amazing to see a rare albino animal/bird too?
    So, so very special.
    I wonder how long Manukura will live too? I hope for a very, very long time.

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