Summary of Meet our Curious, Charismatic and Clever Keas!:
Keas are intelligent parrots native to the South Island of New Zealand. They are known for their curiosity, mischief, and loud vocalizations. The kea‘s name is believed to come from the Māori people, imitating their call. The birds have adapted well to the cold alpine climate of their habitat and have olive-green feathers with bright orange feathers on their wings. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has four keas named Squint, Mahoihoi, Jean Luc, and Teptep. Mahoihoi is the oldest known kea at 40 years old and has a chronic condition causing feather loss. Teptep is the only female in the group and is demanding and opinionated. Squint is one of the oldest keas in human care, with an estimated age of 57-58. Keas are intelligent animals that need mental and physical stimulation through enrichment activities and training sessions. They have a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, proteins, and insects. Keas are endangered in their natural habitat due to human activity and introduced predators. They are part of the Species Survival Plan population to ensure healthy populations in North America. Woodland Park Zoo is planning a new forest exhibit experience to raise awareness about protecting forest habitats for species like the kea. Some fun facts about keas include their group being called a “circus,” their ability to see colors on the ultraviolet spectrum, and their zygodactyl feet with four toes on each foot.
Keas: The Curious, Clever, and Charismatic Alpine Parrots
In the picturesque forested and alpine regions of the South Island of New Zealand reside a unique and fascinating species of avian creatures known as keas. These parrots are the world’s only Alpine parrots with their vibrant olive-green plumage and bright orange feathers underneath their wings; Keas are renowned for their intelligence, curiosity, mischief, and ability to produce loud, squealing vocalizations. Their name is believed to originate from the Māori people, imitating the sounds of the birds’ calls—a distinctive and ear-splitting “KEEEEE-AAAAHHHH” that echoes through the alpine valleys.
Adapted for survival in a cold alpine climate, keas possess long, narrow, curved gray beaks perfect for manipulating objects, digging through bark, and extracting insects from crevices. Woodland Park Zoo, located in Seattle, is currently home to four of these feisty birds: Squint, Mahoihoi, Jean Luc, and Teptep. Together, they embody the remarkable characteristics of this species and captivate visitors with their unique personalities.
At 29 years old, Jean Luc is the oldest kea in the group. Named after the iconic “Star Trek” character, Jean Luc is known for his mellow disposition, although his vocalizations can become the loudest when seeking attention. He delights in training sessions and relishes the delicious treats that accompany them.
Mahoihoi, having recently celebrated his “hatch day” on August 23, is the oldest kea with a recorded birthdate. At 40 years old, he is the father of Teptep. While Mahoihoi suffers from a chronic condition that results in feather loss, the dedicated animal care team at Woodland Park Zoo ensures his well-being through regular veterinary care and attention. Despite his distinctive appearance, he remains an active and valued member of the kea flock.
Sixteen-year-old Teptep, the only female in the group, was hatched at Woodland Park Zoo. She is discerning and opinionated, often displaying wariness towards new items and people in her habitat. However, once she observes the other birds engaging with them, she eagerly claims them as her own. Teptep particularly delights in her bath time pampering sessions, as evidenced by her sheer joy captured in a heartwarming video from a couple of years ago.
Lastly, Squint, a kea of undetermined age due to limited record keeping during his hatching in the 1960s. Squint arrived at Woodland Park Zoo five years ago, already an adult, when he entered the San Diego Zoo from New Zealand in 1968. Records from Wellington Zoo suggest he may have hatched as far back as 1965 or 1966, making him possibly the oldest kea in North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). His longevity and that of his older “cousins” in sister institutions testify to the exceptional care they receive, including a proper diet, expert veterinary attention, and abundant enrichment to meet their cognitive and physical needs.
Intelligence is a defining characteristic of keas, necessitating ample opportunities for exploration, play, and problem-solving. Woodland Park Zoo greatly emphasizes enrichment to stimulate their minds and bodies. Enrichment encompasses activities that mirror natural behaviors, such as foraging, hunting, playing, and scent exploration. For keas, tactile manipulation plays a significant role, often involving the tearing apart of objects. Zoo visitors can even participate in creating enrichment items for the keas, using materials like twine, cardboard, wood blocks, and egg cartons. Witnessing the birds interact and dismantle these objects brings joy and amusement to all involved.
Training sessions with experienced animal keepers are also part of the enrichment activities for these lively birds. These sessions, designed to engage the keys in their healthcare, are filled with fun and rewarding treats for positive reinforcement. Behaviors like stepping on a scale, presenting a foot, or twirling in a circle allow animal keepers to monitor each bird’s condition and address any veterinary needs. As for their meals, keas enjoy a varied menu that includes fruits like grapes, papaya, pear, and apple, vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, and proteins like hard-boiled eggs and meatballs. Their favorite treats reportedly include worms and hard-boiled egg yolks!
While keas thrive under the care of reputable zoos like Woodland Park Zoo, their counterparts in the wild face critical challenges. Approximately one-third of all parrot species are threatened with extinction, including the kea. The alpine forest homes in New Zealand, the natural habitat of these parrots, are under constant threat from human activities and the introduction of predators like possums, stoats, and domestic housecats. Woodland Park Zoo has included keas as part of the titsSpecies Survival Plan (SSP) population., recognizing the importance of protecting these magnificent birds and their forest habitats. This cooperative breeding program overseen by the AZA aims to ensure healthy, self-sustaining populations in North America.
To further advance the cause of conserving forest habitats for keas and other species, Woodland Park Zoo’s forthcoming Forests for All exhibit, slated for completion in 2026, will serve as a platform to raise awareness. This immersive experience will highlight the significance of preserving forest ecosystems and safeguarding species like the kea, Matschie’s tree kangaroo from Papua New Guinea, and the red panda from Nepal. By educating the public and fostering a sense of stewardship, this initiative aims to protect these endangered faces of the forest.
In conclusion, keas are truly extraordinary creatures. Their intelligence, playfulness, and adaptability to cold alpine climates make them a captivating species to study and admire. Through the dedicated efforts of zoos like Woodland Park Zoo, these charismatic parrots can continue to thrive under human care while playing a crucial role in conservation efforts. By supporting initiatives that safeguard their natural environments, we can ensure the preservation of keas and other vulnerable species for generations.
