“Race to Survive: New Zealand” Reality Show Faces Backlash Over Bird Killing Incident
Hunger was a significant challenge for the contestants on the reality TV show “Race to Survive: New Zealand.” The participants, divided into nine teams, had to navigate rugged terrains in the country while also foraging and hunting for their own food.
New Zealand authorities have issued warnings to the show’s producers following an incident where a contestant killed and consumed a bird from a protected species during filming in October. The bird in question, a weka, is a flightless species unique to New Zealand and is categorized as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The weka, known for its bold curiosity, is often found in campsites and picnic areas, where it can be seen scavenging for food or stealing small objects. The show, currently in its second season on the USA Network, features nine pairs of adventurers, survivalists, and athletes competing on New Zealand’s South Island for a grand prize of $500,000.
Contestants are limited to carrying only essential items, and the slowest team to reach each campsite gets eliminated. While the participants are not provided with food, they can search for food caches strategically placed on the island.
In the eighth episode, two contestants, Spencer Jones and Oliver Dev, were disqualified for breaking a rule as determined by the producers after completing a leg of the competition.
