Wellington Zoo’s walk-through Kea experience opening this Wellington Anniversary weekend

Wellington Zoo’s latest experience, our walk-through Kea habitat, is set to open to visitors this weekend, with special themed talks and activities planned for the occasion. The walk-through Kea Aviary is the last chapter in Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha, Wellington Zoo’s love story to Aotearoa New Zealand.

“We’re thrilled to see the Kea aviary complete and have our Kea family exploring their new home,” said Herbivore Team Leader, Robert Stoop.

“We hope visitors enjoy the final stage of Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha and the walk-through Kea experience, where they will be able to get up close to our curious Kea and learn more about these cheeky alpine birds during our special Kea talks,” said Stoop.

Kea are endemic to New Zealand and the world’s only alpine parrot; however due to threats from introduced predators and conflict with humans, they are considered nationally endangered in the wild.

Wellington Zoo actively supports the work of the Kea Conservation Trust, a non–profit organisation that inspires local communities to protect Kea.
“We have supported the Kea Conservation Trust for a number of years now and we’re proud to be involved in Kea conservation, by connecting Wellingtonians with our Kea and raising awareness about these amazing birds,” said Conservation Manager, Daniela Biaggio.

“Our Kea are fantastic ambassadors for their species, and we’re very excited to be able to share their story with our visitors at the Zoo,” said Daniela.
This weekend visitors can expect to see Kea themed entertainment including daily Kea talks at 10.45am and 1.30pm, as well as Kea based games from 9.45am each day and live entertainment on 23 January from 1.30pm.

About Wellington Zoo

Meet the Locals He Tuku Aroha houses a variety of animals including Kororā Little Blue Penguins, Sheep, Kunekune pigs, bees, Grand and Otago Skinks, Maud Island Frogs and Kea.

Wellington Zoo is New Zealand's first Zoo, established in 1906, and is Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation. Home to over 500 native and exotic animals, Wellington Zoo became a charitable trust in 2003.

Wellington Zoo became the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo in May 2013.

Wellington Zoo is an accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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