On the calm and quiet islands of New Zealand, there are over 20 species of birds that cannot fly. One of the most well-known is the kiwi, a national symbol of the country. Others include the kakapo, takahe, weka, and little blue penguin. The reason so many flightless birds exist in New Zealand is that the islands originally had no natural predators. With plenty of food and no threats, these birds had no need to fly, and over time, their wings became weaker and eventually useless.
However, after European settlers arrived, they brought animals like dogs and stoats with them. These new predators put the flightless birds in danger, and many of them are now on the verge of extinction.
When you feel overwhelmed by endless tasks or find yourself wishing for an easier life without effort, think of these birds. Even if you’re facing hard and painful times now, that struggle may be exactly what helps you grow and thrive rather than become stagnant like the birds that forgot how to fly.