Think of New Zealand and rugby, epic landscapes and its starring role in Lord Of The Rings come to mind. But what you may not know is that it’s home to the curious little kiwi bird — the country’s national icon — which is sadly at risk of extinction.
This extraordinary, flightless, mammal-like creature has inhabited its home nation for millions of years, and now time to save it is fast running out.
In the past 50 years alone, the kiwi population has shrunk by 99 per cent. Whereas once numbers stood at five million, there are now just 50,000 kiwi remaining; 1,000 are lost every year.
Kiwis for kiwi is a national charity working with community and Māori-led conservation projects to put a stop to this horrific decline.
With the support of Old Mout Cider, they have developed predator-free islands on which kiwi can flourish in safety. After all, before man discovered New Zealand in the 13th century — bringing non-indigenous mammals with us — it had been a country inhabited almost solely by birds.
The kiwi had never encountered mammal predators, so with no experience of how to defend itself against them, is it any wonder it stood little chance?
Kiwis for kiwi aims to nurture environments that, as closely as possible, mirror the pre-human habitat the kiwi once knew. And by supporting the campaign — in collaboration with Old Mout Cider — you can help them achieve this.
Old Mout Cider has pledged to donate 20p on behalf of every person who signs up to the cause online. Just visit the website and sign up — it couldn’t be easier.
We still have the chance to save these precious, ancient and iconic birds — and we can, if we act now.
Sign up to the campaign here to help save the kiwi
