An American contestant on a reality TV show has recieved some hefty backlash for killing — and eating — a large flightless bird called weka that is protected in mainland New Zealand after becoming mostly extinct. The offense can lead to up to two years in prison or a significant fine of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars, or $59,000. Spencer “Corry” Jones, who lives in Wyoming , was competing on Race to Survive: New Zealand in October last year when he killed and ate the weka, but has now claimed he was left with little choice.
Jesse Palmer lifts lid on Aaron's bombshell to Jenn Tran as she fumed Bachelorette fans unsettled by contestant's outburst that 'came out of nowhere' He was disqualified along with his teammate Oliver Dev. Following an investigation, the country’s Department of Conservation issued Jones and the production team with a written warning instead, noting the “unique set of circumstances” of the show. In the show, which runs on USA Network, nine pairs of contestants navigate 150 miles of harsh terrain to win $500,000.
The contestants must find their own food and water while also racing to get to the finish line. The show's 10th and final episode aired on Monday and saw nine teams of two embark on the wilderness, where they competed in a series of long-distance races over several weeks for a grand prize of $500,000 (£387,322). Producers were shown on camera informing Jones and Dev that they were disqualified at the end of episode eight.
Dev is se.