Why should we help save the kiwi?

Join Old Mout Cider in the fight to protect this iconic bird native to New Zealand

The kiwi is a flightless bird, native to New Zealand, and one of the world’s most endangered animals. Every day, more than 200 species become extinct all over the world. But Old Mout Cider is adamant that this particular creature — the national icon of its home country, New Zealand — will never be among them.

This is why…

The kiwi is a bird like no other. Renowned for its mammal-like qualities, it has feathers like hair and nostrils at the end of its beak.

It sleeps standing up, with its head tucked behind its wing, and makes “nests” by digging burrows in the ground.

While most female birds have one ovary, interestingly, the kiwi has two. It typically produces one egg in each clutch, and this egg is the largest in relation to size of any bird in the world.

The endangered kiwi bird

With ancestors dating back to the Jurassic era, the kiwi is a miracle of evolution — a truly extraordinary animal. But it is in very great danger and it needs your help.

When explorers first arrived on the shores of New Zealand in the 13th century, they found it almost exclusively inhabited by birds.

To this beautiful feathered paradise, they brought mammals — predators for the unsuspecting, defenceless kiwi. Loss of habitat then inevitably followed.

Now only 1 per cent of kiwis remain. And in 50 years’ time, there may be none left at all.

Working towards change

Teaming up with charity Kiwis for kiwi and wildlife expert Michaela Strachan, Old Mout Cider is supporting a ground-breaking project: the creation of predator-free islands — safe havens in which the kiwi can thrive.

“[This campaign] means a lot to me,” says Michaela. “I’m excited by it because it is making a difference… With Kiwis for kiwi, you can see it is working, that numbers are improving and their

work is going to make a difference in the future as well.”

How you can help make the difference

Join Old Mout Cider in the fight to help save the kiwi by signing up to the campaign.

Take the quiz: What endangered animal are you?

*This content was commissioned and approved by Old Mout Cider