OUR ANIMALS

North Island kiwi

Avifauna and the North Island kiwi have a special bond. In 2018, we were the first zoo in the Netherlands to have a kiwi born – a fantastic first and a huge success that we're proud of!
Parrot
Falling Feathers

Statement

The kiwi is no longer on display at Avifauna. A new night enclosure proved too expensive and didn't fit into our future plans. The kiwis have been moved to other zoos and remain part of the species conservation program.

Real nocturnal animals

The North Island kiwi is native to the forested areas of New Zealand's North Island. They are active at night and sleep during the day in a self-dug burrow. They are shy birds that like to hide behind plants. They have poor eyesight, especially during the day, but their sense of smell and hearing are all the better. With their long beak (sometimes up to 15 cm long!) They pierce the ground to feel and smell where food is. That's quite difficult, because the nostrils are on the tip of the beak. Kiwis therefore regularly sneeze to remove the earth from their noses.   

The North Island kiwi has virtually no wings, and they also look like hair. They cannot fly, but they run all the faster, especially when there is danger. With their sturdy legs they can also dig, jump and swim well. Handy, such a good tool!  

Kiwi3

The North Island kiwi

Avifauna Tear Frame

facts and tidbits

Facts about the North Island kiwi

English name

North Island kiwifruit

Scientific name

Apteryx mantelli

living environment

New Zealand

Diet

Insects, spiders, worms and other invertebrates

Weight

male 1,5 - 3 kg, female 2 - 4 kg

Nest size

1 - 3 eggs

Hatching time

75 - 84 days

IUCN status

Vulnerable

Avifauna is committed

…to conserve vulnerable or endangered species. With our special bird collection and the expertise of our employees, we contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, both in the park and in the region.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE KIWI LAYS THE LARGEST EGG PROPORTIONALLY?

North Island kiwi's can only do one 65 centimeters tall become. In proportion to body size lay ze however, the grootiest eggs of all bird species. Weighing the eggs of a North Island kiwi whopping 15 to 20 percent of the female's total body weight. Take the eggs even so much space that the female is temporarily unable to eat until the egg has been laid. That 'fasting period' can last up to a week! 

Avifauna Tear Frame