In a dramatic turn of events, a contestant on the U.S. survival reality show Race to Survive has faced intense scrutiny after killing and consuming a protected bird species while filming in New Zealand. This incident has not only sparked outrage but also led to significant consequences for both the contestant and the production team. Here’s a detailed look into the situation, the affected species, and the broader implications of this controversy.
Incident Overview
The Reality Show: Race to Survive
Race to Survive is a survival reality show where contestants are challenged to rely on their skills to hunt and gather their own food. The series, known for its extreme conditions and high-stakes environment, filmed its second season in the rugged and diverse landscapes of New Zealand. The show pushes contestants to their limits, testing their endurance and resourcefulness in the wild.
The Incident: Killing a Protected Bird
During the filming of the second season in New Zealand, contestant Spencer ‘Corry’ Jones and his teammate, Oliver Dev, faced a serious breach of rules when they killed and ate a weka, a bird species that is fully protected under New Zealand law. The weka, a flightless bird native to New Zealand, has become extinct in many parts of the country and is now legally protected due to its vulnerable status.
According to reports from Radio New Zealand, Jones was aware of the legal protections surrounding the weka and understood that killing the bird was against the rules. Despite this knowledge, he proceeded with the act, leading to significant repercussions for both him and his teammate.
The Disqualification and Apology
In response to the incident, both Jones and Dev were disqualified from the competition during the eighth episode of the series. This decision was taken to maintain the integrity of the show and adhere to legal and ethical standards. In a clip from the show, Jones expressed remorse for his actions, describing them as a “foolish mistake.” He admitted that the team’s failure to adequately prepare for the hunger they experienced led to their regrettable decision.
Jones’s apology was directed at both the people of New Zealand and the viewers, emphasizing his recognition of the disrespect shown towards New Zealand’s wildlife and conservation laws. His statement highlighted the intense pressure and hunger that influenced their decision, though it did little to mitigate the seriousness of the breach.
Conservation and Legal Implications
The Weka: An Iconic and Protected Species
The weka is a distinctive bird known for its large size, flightlessness, and bold, inquisitive behavior. Once widespread across New Zealand, the weka has seen its population decline due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and other environmental changes. As a result, it has become extinct in many areas of the mainland but can still be found on some offshore islands where it is legally hunted under controlled conditions.
Protected under the Wildlife Act of 1953, the weka’s status as a native species necessitates strict conservation measures to ensure its survival. The maximum penalty for harming a protected species like the weka includes up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of NZD $100,000 (approximately $59,545 USD or £47,467 GBP).
Department of Conservation’s Response
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) was promptly alerted to the incident by a representative from Original Productions, the U.S.-based company responsible for the show. Following an investigation, the DOC issued written warnings to both the production company and the contestant, citing the “unusual group dynamic situation” which included the contestants’ fatigue and significant hunger.
Dylan Swain, the team lead of investigations for the DOC, emphasized that while the challenging conditions were noted, the act of killing and eating a native protected species was deemed unacceptable. The department’s response underscores the need for reality show participants and production teams to adhere strictly to conservation laws and respect local wildlife protections.
Reactions and Future Measures
The incident has drawn criticism from conservationists and the public alike, highlighting concerns about the impact of reality TV on wildlife and environmental ethics. The show’s producers and participants face increased scrutiny over their adherence to local regulations and ethical standards.
As the investigation continues, there is a heightened focus on ensuring that reality television shows operating in sensitive ecological areas comply with all relevant conservation laws. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with filming in regions with protected wildlife and the need for rigorous oversight and education for participants and production teams.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Spencer ‘Corry’ Jones and Oliver Dev’s actions on Race to Survive has brought significant attention to the intersection of reality television and wildlife conservation. The killing and consumption of a protected weka bird in New Zealand have not only led to the disqualification of the contestants but also sparked a broader discussion about the ethical implications of survival-based reality shows.
As the fallout from this incident continues, it is essential for all stakeholders involved—production companies, contestants, and conservation authorities—to work together to uphold the highest standards of environmental respect and legal compliance. This case underscores the importance of protecting endangered species and adhering to conservation laws, ensuring that the beauty and diversity of New Zealand’s wildlife are preserved for future generations.
