The Massey University veterinary hospital often performs unusual operations that cannot be attempted elsewhere in New Zealand. In May 2008 Leap the kiwi arrived from Rainbow Springs, near Rotorua, where he had been part of the Operation Nest Egg programme to increase kiwi numbers in the wild. Leap’s Achilles tendon had slipped, twisting his foot. The tendon needed re-anchoring – or he would have had difficulty walking and finding food, and become easy prey for predators. The delicate operation was a success, and Leap is seen here waking up from the anaesthetic.
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Reference: 5 June 2008
by David Wiltshire
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