Stephen "Corry" Jones said in a statement he had been desperate and hungry when he killed the weka.
Spencer "Corry" Jones, an American white water river guide, killed and ate the large, flightless weka during filming of "Race to Survive: New Zealand" last fall, CNN affiliate RNZ reported Tuesday.
In a clip from the show, Jones apologises and says he knew eating the weka was against the law, but he was desperate and hungry, RNZ reported.Victoria Police officer stood down after allegedly punching 70-year-old womanNew Zealand's Department of Conservation said following an investigation it had issued written warnings to Jones and the show's producers – but stopped short of tougher action.
"Nonetheless, killing and eating a native protected species in this matter is unacceptable and the company is 'on notice' about the need for its program participants to adhere to conservation legislation."The weka has a "famously feisty and curious" personality, according to the department, and is known for its loud "coo-et" call, which is presented as a duet, with the male taking on the lower, slower part.
"Contestants were all thoroughly briefed ahead of time, and reminded throughout the competition, of all of New Zealand's wildlife rules and guidelines," its statement said.
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