Rare White Kiwi Born in New Zealand    [11-11-2011] Kiwis are among the rarest birds on this planet. They have long, brushy feathers that resemble a kiwi fruit. They are flightless birds with long beaks. Kiwis are usually brownish-green in color. Recently, a rare white kiwi was born at the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Center in New Zealand. The uniquely-colored kiwi’s name is Manukura, which means “of chiefly status” in the native Maori language. The Maori people are the native people of New Zealand. When they first discovered the bird, they believed it was sacred and spiritual. Some of the Maoris believe that the white bird is a sign of a new beginning. Weighing about one kilogram, Manukura is very grumpy and bad-tempered, which is normal for kiwis. Two weeks ago, the special young bird got very sick. She swallowed two small stones. One of the stones got stuck inside of her. The little kiwi had to undergo surgery. Some people got scared because her heart started slowing down, but the surgery was a success! “She growls and she is getting really stroppy,” said Lisa Argilla, a veterinarian at the Wellington Zoo, where Manukura was treated. “So that’s great, that’s normal kiwi behavior, and we love it when our patients do that.” Kiwis are nocturnal animals. They have been in danger because other animals continue to prey upon them. The usual brown color ordinary kiwis have help them hide in the forest. But rare white Kiwis like Manukura are more at risk in being eaten because they stand out.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)