The world of reality TV often pushes the boundaries of what's acceptable in the pursuit of entertainment, but a recent incident on the US show 'Race to Survive' has sparked a global controversy that goes beyond the usual drama and antics. In a shocking turn of events, a contestant on the survival series, which pits participants against some of the harshest environments on the planet, has caused international outrage by killing and consuming a protected bird species in New Zealand.

The show, now in its second season, has been known for its extreme challenges, with contestants trekking and paddling across New Zealand's rugged terrain. However, the series took a dark turn in its eighth episode when desperation led one pair to not only trespass onto a farm and slaughter a sheep but also to target a flightless weka bird, a species listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.


This isn't the first time Americans have found themselves in hot water over the treatment of New Zealand's cherished avian wildlife. Just over a year ago, a Florida zoo faced backlash for its handling of a kiwi bird, prompting an apology for offending the nation. Conversely, HBO's 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' managed to bring positive attention to New Zealand's birds by humorously intervening in the country's annual bird popularity contest, much to the delight of Kiwis.


Nicola Toki, the chief executive of Forest and Bird, a conservation non-profit group, spoke to Yahoo News about the uproar, emphasizing the global affection for New Zealand's birds. She pointed out the irony in New Zealand's self-promotion of its natural beauty and wildlife while funding conservation efforts with less than the budget of the Christchurch City Council. 'We’re telling a story that doesn’t quite stack up in terms of the investment we give it,' she remarked.


The incident on 'Race to Survive' was taken seriously by the production team, leading to the show's executive producer flying out to address the rule violation. Contestants Spencer Jones (known as Corry on the show) and Oliver Dev were sent home as a result. In an exit interview, Corry admitted to making a 'foolish' decision out of desperation and hunger, acknowledging his rule-breaking but also attempting to justify his actions by the extreme conditions of the competition.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) was informed of the Weka's killing by the production company. While such an offence could carry a penalty of up to NZ $100,000, the DOC decided to issue written warnings to both the show and the contestant after an investigation. Dylan Swain, DOC's investigations leader, confirmed that the production had been provided with extensive information before filming on conservation land. He stated that the unique circumstances of the contestants' fatigue and hunger led to the decision to issue a warning, but emphasized that killing and eating a native protected species is unacceptable and that the production company is now 'on notice.'

This incident raises important questions about the ethics of reality TV and the responsibilities of production companies when filming in sensitive environments. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and respect for conservation laws and the protection of endangered species.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we cherish Australia's weird and wonderful environment, and we understand the importance of preserving it for future generations. We invite you to share your thoughts on this incident and discuss the balance between entertainment and environmental responsibility. Have you ever witnessed similar situations where the line was crossed in the name of entertainment? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more stories that showcase the best – and sometimes the worst – of our natural world.