The snow-white kiwi bird, the first individual with this feather color, died after several operations to remove an unfertilized egg.
A kiwi named Manukura died on Dec. 27, according to a notice from the National Wildlife Center Pūkaha 125 kilometers from Wellington. Manukura belongs to the North Island brown kiwi variety, which blooms in Pūkaha in May 2011. But a genetic trait makes it white instead of brown as usual.
The inhabitants of the Rangitāne o Wairarapa tribe regard Manukura as a “great omen”, a symbol of unity. It even inspired a book by Joy Cowley, one of New Zealand’s most popular children’s fiction writers, as well as many plush toys and memorabilia.
Manukura was taken to the vet in early December 2020 after caretakers noticed he had stopped eating and lost weight. The doctor discovered an unfertilized egg that the bird could not lay. Although the operation to remove the egg was successful, Manukura required further surgery. His health deteriorated over the following weeks.
Emily Court, director of the Pūkaha center, shared that all employees are saddened by the death of the white kiwi bird. Manukura has a younger brother named Mapuna, who participates in Pūkaha’s captive breeding program.
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