Nocturnal Enclosure for Kiwi Birds

Life: A Delicate Balance

No two zoo enclosures are the same. From tropical reptiles to alpine birds, animals rely on carefully balanced environments to stay healthy and active. Managing those environment variables — temperature, humidity, light levels, soil moisture, airflow — is a full-time job for caretakers.

Adena Scientific, a New Zealand-based company, has developed a network of climate monitoring systems dedicated to environmental control and data acquisition in zoology settings. Their ZooCADA platform is a modular, intelligent system that integrates hardware and software to monitor and stabilize a wide range of zoo habitats. Each unit is designed with a different purpose in mind and can operate independently or with any of their other units.

One of the standout features of ZooCADA is its focus on light regulation, particularly in sensitive environments. For this, Adena Scientific integrates Apogee’s SQ-640 Quantum Light Pollution Sensors, which are specially designed for low-light conditions. These sensors help staff detect light leaks, reach optimal darkness levels, and maintain the health and natural behavior of light-sensitive animals.

Real-World Impact: Kiwi Conservation 

Otorohanga Kiwi House is a not-for-profit native New Zealand wildlife viewing park dedicated to the breeding and conservation of New Zealand’s wildlife. They have hatched and released over 160 kiwis into the wild! Their ZooCADA system, equipped with Apogee's low-light sensors, has aided them in this great mission.

 

Kiwi are nocturnal, so the park displays them in enclosures with reversed day and night cycles. ZooCADA’s light control module allows for the simulation of moonlit environments. They also fill the enclosures with native plants, soil, and leaf litter to match the kiwis’ future living conditions! This setup allows visitors to get a rare glimpse into the secret lives of these creatures — watching them forage, bathe, and dig burrows — without disrupting their natural rhythms.

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ZooCADA Data Acquisition and Control Systems could shape the future of animal welfare in zoos around the world. They can enable facilities like the Otorohanga Kiwi House to provide consistent care, automate routine tasks, and replicate wild habitats to support conservation and animal welfare.

Thank you, Scottech, for sharing this information and being a great provider of Apogee Instruments in New Zealand!