Reality TV contestant killed and ate protected bird

A contestant killed and ate a Weka – a species of rail listed as Threatened – during filming for a survival reality TV show.

The show, called Race to Survive, sees contestants largely having to hunt their own food. It is American, but the second season was filmed in New Zealand.

Weka, which is flightless, has become extirpated from large parts of New Zealand and is a fully protected species. Its decline is a result of changing climatic conditions and rising predator numbers.

A Weka, which is protected in New Zealand, was killed and eaten by a reality TV show contestant (Wikimedia).

Contestant disqualified

Contestant Spencer 'Corry' Jones and his teammate were both disqualified from the show as a result. Jones said he was aware he was breaking the rule when he killed and ate the bird, according to news site Radio New Zealand, citing a clip from the show.

In the clip, he was seen to have apologised, saying he made a "foolish" mistake and they "didn't prepare for the hunger".

"What I did disrespected New Zealand and I'm sorry," he said.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation said it was alerted by a representative of the production company, US-based Original Productions, shortly after the incident occurred.

Investigation takes place

Officials conducted an investigation and issued the company and the participant written warnings, citing "unusual group dynamic situation" such as fatigue and significant hunger of the cast members.

"Nonetheless, killing and eating a native protected species in this matter is unacceptable and the company is 'on notice' about the need for its programme participants to adhere to conservation legislation," Dylan Swain, team lead of investigations for the department, said in a statement to 1News.

As Weka is a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1953, the maximum penalty for hurting the bird could be either two years' imprisonment or a fine of NZ$100,000 (£47,467).