Power tool used to 'deliberately cut' hole in Zealandia predator fence

Monday, 5 October 2020

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A predator exclusion fence at Wellington ecosanctuary Zealandia has been “deliberately cut” using a power tool, sparking concerns for “countless rare and threatened species” who live there.

Police have been called in, with Zealandia now looking at additional security measures, including the installation of CCTV to prevent further damage.

Zealandia chief executive Paul Atkins sad it was “extremely upsetting and disappointing” to see the fence targeted in this way.

A hole has been deliberately cut in a predator exclusion fence at Zealandia ecosanctuary in Wellington.

The fence protects numerous species including saddlebacks, kiwi, rifleman and tuatara.

One of the rifleman at Zealandia, considered to have been put at risk by the fence vandalism over the weekend.

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“The sanctuary has played a huge role in improving birdlife across the city, and the specially designed fence is critical for giving these species a safe space to establish,” Atkins said.

The hole, measuring 15 cm by 10cm wide, is of sufficient size to allow rats, weasel and other predators of native species in.

Zealandia’s centre for people and nature director, Dr Danielle Shanahan, said the damage was most likely done over the weekend.