The weka is a brown flightless bird about the size of a chicken and endemic to New Zealand. They are known for having a feisty and curious personality. The Department of Conservation approved the weka recovery plan in 1999, following the decline of weka populations on mainland New Zealand.
The buff weka population has thrived on Chatham and Piit islands, following their introduction in 1905.
Kiwi Birdlife Park wildlife manager Nicole Kunzmann said the pair could breed because they were unrelated and that was the aim for the near future. "Hopefully, next spring we will have the little pitter-patter of baby weka feet."
The male weighed 1.3 kilograms and had proved to be very feisty while the female was more relaxed at 630 grams, she said.
Their spacious new enclosure was sponsored by Crowne Plaza Queenstown, which will name the birds.
"With the sponsorship, we've been able to tidy up the enclosure and get the birds down here," Miss Kunzmann said.
Head keeper Paul Kavanagh said the birds were settling in well.
http://www.crowneplazaqueenstown.co.nz
http://www.kiwibird.co.nz
