Rescued kāhu takes flight at Auckland Zoo
Arriving with a serious injury to her right eye, this kāhu (Australasian harrier) also showed general weakness – a common sign of lead poisoning in birds of prey.
To determine the cause of the bird’s condition, our vet team performed a range of tests which included radiographs, endoscopy, blood tests and eye exams carried out by an external specialist. The results of these tests confirmed she was permanently visually impaired in her right eye and had high levels of lead in her blood.
Thankfully for this kāhu, our vet team were able to successfully treat her for lead poisoning – but this is an unlikely outcome for the majority of wild birds. Many of New Zealand’s bird species are affected by lead poisoning, such as our endemic kea and kākā. These birds are able to easily find lead in their environment – in buildings built prior to the 1990s, materials such as nail heads, roof flashings and leaded paint, as well as in lead shot used by hunters and weights used by fishermen.
Due to her permanent eye injury, she is unable to return to the wild, but has started an enriching new chapter of her life as an advocacy bird – engaging with our wonderful visitors and telling the story of the harmful effects of lead poisoning on New Zealand’s wildlife.
You can learn more about how lead poisoning impacts wildlife here - www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/news/rescued-kahu-takes-flight-at-auckland-zoo