U.S. TV show contestant eats a protected bird

Competing on a survivalist show in New Zealand, Spencer Jones ate a protected bird due to extreme hunger, leading to disqualification.

During a survivalist reality TV competition in New Zealand, contestant Spencer “Corry” Jones, alongside his partner Oliver Dev, found themselves in a contentious situation that led to their disqualification from the show. The two adventurers, who work as white water river guides in the US, were participating in the intense Race to Survive show, which required them to race around checkpoints on New Zealand’s South Island with only limited provisions.

The controversial act

In a turn of events that shocked both the show’s audience and the production team, Jones and Dev were compelled to resort to drastic measures in the face of extreme hunger. Their dire circumstances drove them to kill and consume a weka, also known as a Maori hen, which is a protected species in New Zealand. The act of eating the weka, a flightless and plump brown bird comparable in size to a chicken, sparked outrage and led to their immediate expulsion from the competition.

Following the incident, Spencer “Corry” Jones expressed his remorse in a public apology, acknowledging the error of their actions. He conceded that their decision to eat the protected bird was not only shortsighted but also “foolish”. Jones attributed the transgression to an overpowering sense of hunger, emphasizing that their mental and physical state had deteriorated to the point where the “mindset of starvation mode” had taken control, impairing their cognitive abilities.

In response to the objectionable conduct exhibited on the show, New Zealand’s department of conservation issued a stern reprimand to the reality TV production. The authorities emphasized that while they recognized the challenging conditions the contestants faced, including fatigue and severe hunger, there could be no justification for the breach of wildlife conservation laws. The department underscored the unacceptability of disregarding the protection of native species, highlighting the imperative nature of adhering to conservation regulations.

Production company's response

The production company behind Race to Survive, Original Productions, faced repercussions in the aftermath of the controversial episode. They were promptly reminded of the stringent wildlife rules and guidelines established by New Zealand’s department of conservation. It was made explicitly clear that the harvesting or consumption of protected species was unequivocally prohibited. The company, having been made aware of the potential violation, swiftly initiated an inquiry into the matter. Subsequently, upon confirming the transgression, they took decisive action, culminating in the disqualification of the implicated team from the competition.

Share news

Copyright ©2025 All rights reserved | PrimeAi News

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience, offer personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.

Cookies policy.