Rein, the dog, has been searching for kiwi birds for 11 years.
The four-legged beauty is now taking a well-deserved break.
Iain Graham, together with Rein, contributed to the conservation of a rare species of bird, the kiwi, in order to boost its number.
The dog is credited for locating 1,700 kiwis and was a valuable resource. The population has grown from 160 to 600 birds as a result of her efforts.
Rein was specially taught to track kiwis in the wild securely.
She discovers bird eggs that are prey for predators.
They are then collected and planted at the West Coast Wildlife Center before being transported for roughly two months to the reserve.
Only after the kiwis reach a certain size are they transported to the island of Motuara and released into the wild.
Graham and Rein go in search of eggs about 30 days later.
According to the owner, the dog can already tell where they are hidden at a distance of 100 meters.
During the 6-month breeding season, the dog works and does not relax the rest of the year.
She goes to Motuara Island to watch the chicks.
In addition, every 12 – 14 months, he looks for kiwi to replace the batteries in their transmitters.
Rein, on the other hand, has reached the end of his career.
“She is now at the point where she appreciates the couch more than she did previously.” She’ll still go hiking with us, but retirement will offer her more time to recuperate,” Iain Graham remarked.
