Contestant on US Survival Reality Show Kills and Eats Protected Bird in New Zealand
A shocking incident has occurred on the set of the US survival reality show Race to Survive, as a contestant reportedly killed and ate a protected bird in New Zealand. The bird in question, a weka, is a fully protected species that has become extinct over large parts of the country.
The contestant, identified as Spencer ‘Corry’ Jones, was aware that he was breaking the rules when he committed the act, according to local media reports. In a clip from the show, Jones can be seen apologizing for his actions, admitting that they “didn’t prepare for the hunger” and that he made a “foolish” mistake.
As a result of this incident, both Jones and his teammate Oliver Dev were disqualified from the race in the eighth episode of the series. The production company, US-based Original Productions, alerted New Zealand’s Department of Conservation about the incident, leading to an investigation and written warnings issued to the company and the participant.
Dylan Swain, team lead of investigations for the department, stated that while the unusual group dynamic situation of fatigue and hunger may have played a role in the incident, killing and eating a protected species is unacceptable. The company has been put “on notice” about the need for its participants to adhere to conservation legislation.
The weka, known for its feisty and curious personality, is a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1953 in New Zealand. The maximum penalty for harming the bird could result in two years imprisonment or a fine of NZD $100,000. BBC News has reached out to Mr. Jones and Original Productions for comment on the incident.
This controversial incident has sparked outrage among conservationists and viewers alike, highlighting the importance of respecting wildlife and conservation laws, even in the most extreme survival situations.
