TV contestant killed and ate protected bird - NZ media

A contestant on a popular American survival reality show has found himself in serious trouble after killing and eating a protected bird while filming in New Zealand. The show, titled 'Race to Survive,' challenges contestants to hunt for their own food in the wild. This season was filmed in New Zealand, where the weka, a flightless bird, is native. The weka is a fully protected species, meaning it is illegal to harm or kill them. Unfortunately, the weka has become extinct in many areas of New Zealand, making its protection even more crucial. As a result of his actions, contestant Spencer 'Corry' Jones and his teammate were disqualified from the competition. Reports indicate that Spencer was aware he was breaking the rules when he killed the bird. In a clip from the show, he expressed regret, calling his actions a 'foolish' mistake and admitting that they were unprepared for the hunger they experienced. He stated, 'What I did disrespected New Zealand, and I'm sorry. ' This incident occurred during the eighth episode of the series. Following the incident, New Zealand's Department of Conservation was notified by a representative from the production company, Original Productions, which is based in the United States. The department launched an investigation and issued written warnings to both the company and the contestant. They noted that the contestants were experiencing fatigue and significant hunger, which contributed to the unusual situation. However, they emphasized that killing and eating a native protected species is unacceptable. Dylan Swain, the team lead for investigations at the department, stated that the company is now 'on notice' regarding the need for its participants to follow conservation laws. The BBC has reached out to both Spencer and Original Productions for their comments on the matter. The weka is an iconic bird known for its curious and feisty nature. Unfortunately, it has become extinct in many parts of New Zealand due to changing climate conditions and an increase in predators. However, it is still legal to hunt wekas on certain islands in the country. Under the Wildlife Act of 1953, the weka is a protected species, and anyone who harms the bird could face severe penalties. The maximum punishment for such actions could be two years in prison or a fine of NZD $100,000, which is equivalent to about $59,545 or £47,467.