A contestant on the US survival reality show Race to Survive was disqualified after killing and eating a protected bird while filming in New Zealand, according to local media reports.
The bird, a weka, is a fully protected species and has become extinct in many parts of New Zealand. Race to Survive, which filmed its second season in New Zealand, requires contestants to hunt for their own food, but this particular action crossed legal boundaries.
Contestant Spencer ‘Corry’ Jones, who acknowledged he was violating the rules, was seen apologizing in a show clip. He admitted to making a “foolish” mistake and said they “didn’t prepare for the hunger.” He added, “What I did disrespected New Zealand, and I’m sorry.”
Jones and his teammate, Oliver Dev, were disqualified in the eighth episode of the series. The Department of Conservation in New Zealand was alerted by a representative from the production company, US-based Original Productions, shortly after the incident.
An investigation was conducted, leading to written warnings issued to both the production company and the participant. The Department of Conservation highlighted that while unusual circumstances such as fatigue and hunger contributed to the incident, killing a protected species remains unacceptable.
Dylan Swain, team lead of investigations for the department, emphasized the need for strict adherence to conservation laws. “The company is ‘on notice’ about the need for its programme participants to follow conservation legislation,” he stated.
The weka, known for its feisty and curious nature, has become extinct in many areas due to climate changes and predator threats but can still be legally hunted on certain islands. Under the Wildlife Act 1953, harming a weka can result in a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine of NZD $100,000 (about $59,545 or £47,467).