スミソニアン国立動物園のインスタグラム(smithsonianzoo) - 3月26日 04時20分

Some people consider the kiwi to be an odd bird. Much like the fruit that was named after them, kiwis are brown and fuzzy. Flightless, ground-dwelling, and nocturnal kiwis seem to be more similar to mammals than birds. Found strictly in New Zealand these unique birds are endangered due to predators and habitat loss. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo collaborates with New Zealand’s Operation Nest Egg to find a solution to conserve the kiwi. By using the rearing protocols from Operation Nest Egg, the National Zoo was able to be the first institution to hatch a kiwi chick outside of New Zealand in 1975. Since then the Zoo has successfully hatched seven kiwi chicks and SCBI has hatched one. Currently, Smithsonian scientists are working on conceiving a kiwi through artificial insemination and collaborating with Operation Nest Egg to solve unanswered questions concerning the reproductive ecology of kiwis.

Through sharing resources and information, scientists around the world can help each other find solutions in order to save species. In fact, Smithsonian’s National Zoo senior bird keeper Kathleen Brader was awarded New Zealand’s highest accolade, the Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her kiwi-conservation efforts. During her 25 years at the zoo she has successfully hatched and raised seven kiwi, created a kiwi education campaign, chaired the Species Survival Program and written numerous publications on protecting the endangered bird.
The first lady’s trip to China is a reminder that international relationships in science can help advance conservation efforts worldwide. Operation Nest Egg is an example of how the National Zoo’s partnerships influence and support new research to conserve wildlife. #WeSaveSpecies #GlobalSolution @ミシェル・オバマ

Photo: Jim Jenkins

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