For its second season, the producers of the show Race to Survive could have done without attracting attention in this way. After a first edition organized in Alaska, the American reality TV program, which pits tandems of adventurers against each other in unenviable conditions, has this time set down its suitcases in New Zealand, where one of the competitors, Spencer “Corry” Jones, committed the irreparable.
CNN indeed reveals that this whitewater river guide knowingly killed a weka rail (or simply leave, Gallirallus australis), a bird protected in New Zealand. And this, in order to feed itself. The animal is on the “red list” of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Anyone who kills one of the representatives of this species is liable to a fine of up to 60,000 dollars (about 55,400 euros) and a prison sentence of up to two years.
As indicated by his name, Race to Survive is a survivalist competition. Participants must cover significant distances on foot, while managing to find food and water. The prize is $500,000, or about €460,000. But during one of the events, Corry Jones deliberately killed a weka in order to quench his hunger, which led to the duo he formed with Oliver Dev being disqualified later.
Put put
Yet the contestant was fully aware of what he was doing, as he mentioned when he apologized: desperate and hungry, he chose to break the law. After learning of the incident, the New Zealand Department of Conservation investigated and sent an official letter to the show’s production, without taking any more severe action. “Given all the unique circumstances – the participants were tired and suffering from significant hunger, in an unusual group dynamic – we felt that a warning letter seemed prudent.”explains Dylan Swain, one of the representatives of the New Zealand ministry.
The production of Race to Survive: New Zealand had the necessary permits to film in protected areas. They were fully aware of the fact that certain species, whether animals or plants, absolutely had to be spared. The show’s spokespersons also claim that the authorities were alerted shortly after Corry Jones’ act was committed.
In a statement, the production team denied any responsibility and said that “The competitors were all carefully informed in advance” and “They were reminded throughout the show about New Zealand’s wildlife rules and guidelines”The excluded duo of participants returned to the United States sooner than expected, saying goodbye to the supreme reward they were apparently promised, since the tandem was favored to win according to CNN.
A discreet bird, the weka often remains hidden, which does not prevent it from having a personality “fiery and curious”, specifies the New Zealand Ministry of Conservation. It is known for its song, which is often performed in pairs, each member adopting a different tone. As the number of individuals still alive fluctuates, its hunting is prohibited on most of New Zealand territory, with the exception of a handful of outer islands.
Source: www.slate.fr