Who says kiwis can't fly? Sparky the kiwi proved this theory wrong, sort of, when he made a flying visit to St Joseph's School last week, with a little bit of help from the crew at Beck Helicopters.
Sparky may have only one leg, but he has plenty of personality and was a hit with students and staff alike when he flew into the school to bring an important message about wildlife conservation.
Sparky normally lives at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery, where he is cared for by Robert Webb, who first met Sparky 14 years ago. Sparky was just a few months old then and was brought in to the centre by a hunter who had found him in a gin trap. The trap cost Sparky one of his legs, but gave him a new role in life, as he and Robert regularly travel the country visiting schools and groups.
By the end of Sparky's visit to St Joseph's, he had been petted and admired by every student present.
"He is completely happy to be handled," says Robert, who watches the bird closely for signs of stress.