A kiwi from the egg also rarely happens, because it is a complicated process. The making and laying of the egg by the female alone takes 3 weeks. The kiwi also lays relatively the largest egg, with the egg taking up so much space that the female is temporarily unable to eat. After that, the male starts an extremely long incubation period of 80 days on average. This is the longest breeding time among birds. After the chick hatches from the egg, the father helps it get going for 10 days, after which the chick has to live completely independently.
The healthy chick is growing well and is a girl named Maia. This Maori girl name means brave, confident. The name is a tribute to the original inhabitants of New Zealand.
North Island kiwis are found only in New Zealand in the wild and are nocturnal flightless birds. With their sensitive whiskers and excellent sense of smell, they can easily find their food in the dark. The kiwis also sleep during the day with us. The installed cameras allow visitors to view the (sleeping) kiwi without disturbing their natural living pattern.
The kiwi has a vulnerable status and is decreasing in numbers. Not only humans, but also loss of habitat and other animals such as rats and martens are a threat.
Every day at 16.30 pm, visitors can watch the health check of the kiwi. She is then weighed and this is how you see her up close!
