Reality TV contestant disqualified for eating endangered birds

The end doesn’t always justify the means. And hunger is less! One contestant on the American survival reality show “Race to Survive: New Zealand” reportedly learned this the hard way recently. CNNIn fact, the show's favorite was eliminated along with his partner after he killed and ate a weka, a threatened and protected endemic bird in New Zealand's two islands.

Endangered animal

The events took place last fall during the filming of this show, where nine couples had to travel 240 kilometers in the wilderness and completely independently. The prize: a reward of $ 500,000 (about 461,030 euros). The unqualified candidate, an American whitewater river guide, seemed particularly prepared for this adventure. Except for a few details.

Because Spencer “Cory” Jones broke the rules by hunting this animal that is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This flightless bird is a symbol of New Zealand culture. Unfortunately, its population has been reduced to nothing due to human activity.

Up to two years in prison

In an apology letter, the candidate said he knew the animal was protected but was hungry and desperate. The production stressed that “all candidates were informed in advance and throughout the competition of all New Zealand rules and guidelines regarding fauna and flora,” and that according to the authorities, they had permission to film in these protected public areas. Upon being informed of the violation, they immediately removed the team and notified the authorities.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Department of Conservation investigated and chose to stick with simple warning letters to the candidate and production, highlighting specific circumstances related to the starvation and filming. The candidate is doing well: in other circumstances, the offence could have cost him $60,000 and two years in prison.