Kea Information Report

The Kea is a mountain bird that lives in the South Island of New Zealand. Keas are endangered and are kept in enclosures. They are considered the smartest bird in the world.

 Keas are very big and very colourful. They have green wings and orange feathers under its wings. They are 48 cm in length and weigh 870 grams. They are also really strong, with them being able to lift more than their body weight.

Keas are omnivores. Their diet consists of dead animal flesh, leaves, berries, nectar and insects. Keas also like to eat sweet things.

Kea nests are found below the trees. They usually lay 4 eggs and the incubation takes 22 to 24 days. The Kea chicks will stay in the nest for 3 months.

Trip to Willowbank

On the 4th of June, me and my class went to Willowbank. The trip was for us to learn about the Keas and to see other wildlife. We left school at around 9:50, and headed our way to Willowbank by bus. When we first got there, we were given our paper that we can answer as we go around the reserve. One member from our group were also given food for the animals, so we could feed them. We were assemble into three groups. My group started off at the river were we saw a lot of ducks.Then we went around to try answer the questions from the paper. As we were answering the questions, we were also feeding the animals that were allowed to be fed with the food we were given. After that, we assembled together as one big group so we could go inside the Kea enclosure. In the Kea enclosure, we saw a lot of Kea, as well as other animals. It was really cold, but I found it really interesting seeing them for the first time in person. The keeper talked about a lot of fascinating facts about them. We then went to another room so the keeper could answer the questions that we prepared prior to the trip. Then after all of that we got to eat our delicious food. We were also given the chance to go around the reserve and have a look at the different animals that are kept in the reserve. It was a really fun and amazing day that I will never forget.