K2, Whangarei Heritage Park's North Island brown kiwi, was back home this week after groundbreaking surgery to turn around his right leg.
The 8-year-old kiwi had grown up with his right foot facing backward and faced being put down last year when the Heritage Museum temporarily closed its kiwi house
during a restructuring.
His colleague Baldrick was released on to Limestone Island but K2's condition meant he could not be.
The Whangarei branch of BNZ saved K2 by agreeing to fund his operation at Auckland Zoo. Late last year Auckland Unitec veterinary surgeons turned his foot around and held it in place with a plate.
K2 may still hobble around, but Department of Conservation kiwi ranger Sue Bell said his lurch was a joy to behold.
She had last seen him hopping on one leg, using his beak as a crutch.
"I thought that he looked pitiful. It's just wonderful to see him walking, or wobbling, around."
Months of daily physiotherapy lie ahead for K2, but after six months at Auckland Zoo he is used to being handled. That makes him perfect for publicity and he will also be used for breeding.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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