aka The Auckland Zoo.
My two other Americans expressed interest in hiking Rangitoto Island, but logistically, it didn't work out. However, I expressed interest to my host teacher and was granted the day off (starting the Queen's Birthday weekend a day early) to explore another Auckland favorite...the Auckland Zoo!!
As a non-profit organization and part of Regional Facilities Auckland, this zoo focuses on conserving the world's wildlife population. This zoo first opened in December 1922 (the peak of the South Hemisphere's summer) and has welcomed over 28 million visitors since. The zoo really just wants to engage the public, both animal- and non-animal lovers (you know which category I fit into), to enjoy the natural wildlife around the world. Traveling Tip #19: Go on adventures you don't think you would in your home town. Auckland Zoo takes pride leading wildlife research, conservation work, and innovative exhibits, all I got to experience first hand!
Kiwi Bird Exhibit
The exhibit we were all waiting for...the Kiwis! There were plenty of interesting facts I learned including that when a kiwi lays an egg she loses 20% of her body weight...about around 400 grams = 14 ounces = up to 1 lb. There were plenty of interactive components for us teachers who are still very hands on and videos to help visualize how the kiwi develop, followed by the ~Kiwi cave~. Requiring silence and darkness, the Kiwi are contained behind glass walls hidden away in the plants. These animals are nocturnal and becoming extremely endangered.
Here are a few more interesting facts about these unique creatures:
These birds are flightless and a symbol of the NZ natural heritage; however, these birds originated in Australia when NZ was still connected. It wasn't until New Zealand tore off 100 million years ago the Kiwi birds migrated to mainly the North Island.
They have strong, sturdy legs, sharp senses and long bills; their brown feathers allow them to blend into the ground.
These birds are about the same size as chickens.
Cats and unleashed dogs are the most major threat to kiwi survival.
Kiwi eat worms, spiders, and other bugs (it'd be nice to have a pet kiwi).
Ya know, and now all the other cool animals...
Here are a few of the animals from the other continents!
Africa
meerkats, nyalas, white elephants, baboons
Te Wao Nui / New Zealand
tuataras, penguins, keas, kiwis
South America
spider monkeys, capybaras, Galapagos turtles, pygmy marmosets, tamarins
Australia
brolgas, Tasmanian devils, flying fox, wallaby, emus
South East Asia
tigers, otters, red pandas
Following the zoo, we enjoyed a nice lunch right by the entrance where we joined by some wandering birds. The zoo was absolutely phenomenal and I'm so glad I got to take a day off and explore. As you might know, I'm more of a city/mall girl than a zoo/wildlife adventurer, but my experience in New Zealand has truly prepared me for my next EDventure in Colorado!!
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