Zoo Miami is no longer offering its "Kiwi Encounter," where guests could feed, pet and photograph the rare bird named Paora, after video on social media sparked backlash.
Miami zoo apologizes after treatment of kiwi bird offended a nation spokesman.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from spokesman.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Kiwi, the flightless bird that are a national symbol of New Zealand, are sensitive to handling and bright light. "We have offended a nation," a zoo spokesperson said.
Footage of Paora being petted by zoo visitors under fluorescent lights has caused an outcry in New Zealand, where it is common knowledge that the national bird is nocturnal and should not be handled other than by experts.