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Kiwi Chick Thrives with Help from Brinsea TLC-30 ICU
An inspiring story of conservation and recovery.
We're excited to share an inspiring story from Save the Kiwi, New Zealand, showcasing how the Brinsea TLC Intensive Care Units (ICUs) play a vital role in the conservation and rehabilitation of kiwi chicks.
Korapu-Puku: A Kiwi Chick's Journey to Recovery
The story of Korapu-Puku, a resilient kiwi chick, is one of determination and exceptional care. In the 2020/21 hatching season, the team at the Gallagher Kiwi Burrow encountered a chick struggling to hatch on its own. Normally, kiwi chicks internalize their yolk sacs through their navels before hatching, but this chick needed a bit of extra help.
The team performed a full assist hatch, helping the chick break free from its shell. However, upon hatching, they discovered that the chick hadn’t fully internalized its yolk. The team had to manually massage the yolk into the chick's tummy – a delicate and challenging process.
Intensive Care for Korapu-Puku
The chick, later named Korapu-Puku, meaning "messy stomach," faced more challenges after birth. Two weeks later, he developed an infection in his tummy and required surgery. Following the procedure, the dedicated team at Gallagher Kiwi Burrow assist-fed him until he could eat on his own.
Thanks to the care and support provided in a Brinsea TLC-30 ICU, Korapu-Puku made an impressive recovery. Once his feathers grew back and he was strong enough, he was transferred to the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
Thriving in the Wild
Fast forward 3.5 years, Korapu-Puku was caught during a recent muster at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, looking healthy and thriving. The senior kiwi keeper, Kim, shared the joy of seeing the once-fragile chick now living his best wild life. It’s rare for conservation teams to encounter kiwi chicks they’ve helped once they are released into the wild, making this moment even more special.
Korapu-Puku’s story highlights the importance of Brinsea TLC-30 ICUs in kiwi chick rehabilitation, giving vulnerable chicks the chance to survive and thrive in their natural habitat.
Photos courtesy of Save the Kiwi