Nelson Wildlife Groups Brace For Deadly Bird FluAugust 2, 2026NelsonTwo of Nelson’s foremost conservation organisations are braced to protect our rare, native species from bird flu. Manager Leah Foster was concerned about the spread of bird flu, but the zoo had been preparing for its arrival for “some time”. Since bird flu has arrived in the country, Natureland has paused its Kea Talk sessions. Further measures are planned should bird flu arrive on the South Island. The most likely way for bird flu to enter the sanctuary would be if a New Zealand falcon/kārearea predated on an infected bird, McCormack said.