International students observe New Zealand icon at Auckland Zoo

The main goal of the day was to view a kiwi; the iconic flightless bird endemic to New Zealand. Auckland Zoo has a purpose-built night habitat, which is designed to switch day to night, allowing the kiwi to be fully nocturnal during the daytime and retreat to their burrows at night.

The students were ecstatic to not only see two kiwi, but to observe the kiwi engaged in a tussle over territory.

The international students spent the day touring the rest of Auckland Zoo. A memorable part of the tour for the student group was an engaging educational talk delivered by a zoo keeper at the porcupine enclosure. The students gained interesting new insights into this prickly animal; learning on the day that porcupines have approximately 30,000 hollow quills on their body.

Other highlights of the day included marveling at Burma the majestic Asian elephant and spotting a pride of lions, as well as cheetah and a southern white rhinoceros, at the popular Africa Safari Track.

A fantastic day was had by all with many happy memories created to take home and share with their family and friends.