Wildlife get $15m Govt nest egg
It takes a steady hand and nerves of steel to let a giant weta crawl over you. Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage did just that as she announced wildlife institutions will get a $14.89 million boost in a Covid19 support package.
Sage said the funding would mitigate the closure of vital protection facilities, with ecosanctuaries, zoos and aquariums as well as wildlife rescue playing a crucial role in conservation.
“Captive-based conservation efforts such as Operation Nest Egg for rare kiwi such as rowi, and captive breeding for kākāriki, orange-fronted parakeet, shore plover, Chesterfield and cobble skink recovery programmes are critical for the recovery of threatened species.”
Zoo and Aquarium Association executive director Nicole Craddock said the support will help to see zoos and aquariums through to play their part in New Zealand’s recovery.