Miami Zoo's Kiwi Petting Apology Sparks Outrage from New Zealanders
Miami Zoo has apologized for offering a kiwi petting encounter after social media videos sparked outrage. The zoo has removed the encounter from its website and will no longer offer it. The New Zealand Department of Conservation will discuss the situation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Kiwi are considered a national treasure of New Zealand and are classified as "vulnerable to extinction." The zoo plans to build a special habitat for Paora, the kiwi involved in the encounter, that will provide him shelter while respecting and supporting his natural instincts.