The first hospital dedicated to kiwi care has opened in New Zealand, marking a milestone in wildlife medicine. Veterinarians have already treated a patient named Plyukh, a resilient chick rescued during a recent incident. This development was reported by Phys.org, citing information from a major news service.
The rehabilitation center sits in the Northland region, about a three-hour drive from Auckland. Its creation responds to a growing kiwi population and the species’ unique conservation needs. Kiwi are flightless birds roughly the size of domestic chickens, perfectly adapted to life on the ground, with five recognized species living exclusively in New Zealand. Today, the combined kiwi population is estimated at around 28,000 individuals.
Experts note that kiwis’ inability to fly makes them more vulnerable to roadway collisions and accidental trapping. Plyukh, rescued from a private property pool and saved after spending roughly a day in the water, was named to reflect that perilous moment and the dramatic survival involved in the rescue.
The opening of a purpose-built facility highlights a broader commitment to protecting this distinctive wildlife, offering specialized care, rehabilitation, and support for birds that face specific environmental challenges in New Zealand’s ecosystems.
As researchers and veterinarians continue their work, questions emerge about the balance between conservation priorities and the welfare of individual animals. The Kiwin hospital project illustrates how medical expertise, community awareness, and proactive protection can converge to sustain a species that captivates both locals and visitors across the country.