A solo mom of three, first time in New Zealand. The time I spent with kiwi birds changed me a little

We came face-to-face with
a real kiwi bird.

While still in a state of excitement,
in the next room we were guided to,
a lecture about
kiwi bird chicks began.

The National Kiwi Hatchery tour
was truly
packed with content.

Here, we were able to
actually hold a model of an egg.

When I picked it up, it was
larger and heavier than the chicken eggs
I am used to seeing.

Because it was right after
meeting the kiwi bird,
holding the egg felt
even more special.

And then, finally,
to the room with the chicks.

Excited and nervous.

The children were also
"We'll get to see the chicks
soon, right?"
"I wonder if they're small. Like baby chicks?"
full of anticipation.

Inside the room behind the glass,
about 20 incubator-like
devices were lined up.

However...

[There were no chicks]

On the whiteboard, it was written
that although there were eggs at the end of February,
the chicks did not survive
after that.

It was disappointing.

The children, who had been so excited
until just a moment ago,
also looked a bit down.

I, too, felt like crying
for a different reason.

"Being born is not a given."

I realized once again that this is the same
for both birds and humans.

After that, we watched a video
of a kiwi bird egg
hatching into a chick.

When I took a breath,
【I felt happy just to have been able to see this footage】

That was how I felt.

The approximately one-hour tour
ended in a way that left me deeply moved.

As we headed toward the exit,
the light outside was dazzling.

There was also a souvenir corner,
and we decided to stop by.

Actually, ever since I decided
to meet the kiwi bird,
I had always wanted
to get a stuffed animal.

This is because I want to share
the kiwi bird, which gives us so much energy and hope,
back in Japan.

I'm sure I could buy a kiwi bird stuffed animal at the airport or other tourist facilities.

However, I felt that buying one here,
where I actually met the kiwi bird,
would surely make for a more
special memory.

While we each hesitated,
we chose different types of stuffed animals
so that they would be easy to tell apart.

I purchased a stuffed animal
that makes the kiwi bird's call
when you press its belly.

My husband purchased
keychains, a pin badge exclusive to the National Kiwi Hatchery,
and a perpetual photo calendar.

I thought the bus back from the tour
had already left.

However, all the tour participants
had waited for us
on the bus.

I hurried
"Sorry"
and got on the bus while apologizing.

Not a single one of the participants
gave me a dirty look.

I couldn't help but reply
"Thank you Very Much"
with a smile.

From start to finish,
I was helped by such warm people.

On the way back, I could see kiwi fruit orchards and flocks of sheep.

As I gazed at that scenery,
I thought to myself.

Perhaps something inside me is starting to change little by little because of my encounter with the kiwi bird.

Kiwi bird encounter series complete

From next time on, my life as a solo mom of three and my travel notes
will continue.