An injured kiwi, affectionately known as Piwi because of his diminutive size, has been using treadmill exercise to recuperate from two broken legs. According to NineMSN, the bird was found near Mount Ruapehu on New Zealand's North Island with a broken leg. The leg was rebroken so it could be set properly, and after a period of traditional rehabilitation, Piwi was released.

Shortly thereafter, however, the bird was found again, this time with the other leg broken. To aid Piwi's recovery, he was introduced to a treadmill regimen to strengthen his leg muscles and improve his chances of surviving in the wild. The treadmill is operated by hand to match the bird's pace, and already his legs are vastly improved.

Kiwis are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand, and strong legs are critical for their survival skills. All five species of kiwi are endangered, and it is hoped that this type of innovative therapy can help improve care for injured kiwis to help the birds prosper.

Kiwi Habitat - Mount Ruapehu
Photo © Or Hiltch

Treadmill Therapy for Injured Kiwi originally appeared on About.com Birding / Wild Birds on Friday, July 30th, 2010 at 11:03:32.

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