West Coast Wildlife Centre, kiwi breeding facility at Franz Josef, New Zealand
The West Coast Wildlife Centre is a visitor facility and breeding station in Franz Josef, Westland District, that focuses on endangered bird species. The building contains exhibits about kiwis and other native animals, along with a special nocturnal viewing area where birds are seen in natural-like conditions, complemented by interactive displays and information about local ecosystems.
The facility opened in 2010 and uses a converted building that originally served as an ice climbing centre. Since its founding, the centre has bred more than half of all Rowi kiwis in the world and has run Operation Nest Egg, a program that has rescued endangered kiwi chicks since 1995.
The centre's name reflects the wildlife of New Zealand's West Coast and how deeply these animals connect to the region's identity. Inside, you see the kiwis in nocturnal settings that show how they naturally live and move in darkness.
The centre is open year-round and housed in a fully enclosed building, so weather is not a concern when visiting. You can walk around on your own or join a guided tour that offers behind-the-scenes insights into the breeding operations.
The breeding boxes for kiwi chicks are used for only about one month before the young birds are moved to safe wild areas like islands or protected forests. This short rearing phase under controlled conditions allows the birds to live naturally in the wild afterward.
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