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Stereotypic Behaviour
Stereotypies - repetitive behaviours which appear to have no obvious goal or function (Mason, 1990) - have long been used as welfare indicators of captive populations.
As stereotypies are not seen to be exhibited within wild animal populations, their development has been linked to sub-optimal captive environments which discourage expression of natural species specific behaviours (ibid).
Classic kea stereotypy - sidehop/run
Photo credit: T Orr-Walker 2005
Research on kea behaviour in NZ facilities (Orr-Walker 2005) showed a high prevalence of stereotypies (performed by captive kea (50% of individuals observed over 13 facilities). This is a real issue that many captive facilities are working hard to remedy.
This page will look at the following:
Development of Stereotypies
As any degree of stereotypic performance has been linked with a deficit in the captive environment (Mason, 1991), it may be concluded that there are potential welfare issues in the holding of this species in captivity that have not yet been identified and managed appropriately.
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Stereotypies in kea
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Ways to prevent stereotypies
One method of preventing and reversing the performance of stereotypies is with appropriate  environmental modification (Meehan et al, 2004). Five types of environmental enrichment have been identified and include social, occupational, physical, sensory and nutritional enrichment (Bloomsmith et al cited in Young, 2003). Nutritional enrichment is often introduced via different modes of delivery (which includes variation in frequency and presentation), and type (eg. browse and treats) (Young, 2003), and is widely used in captive facilities to increase foraging and investigative behaviours. These behaviours have been shown to decrease stereotypic behaviours (Croke, 1997).
For more information on enrichment, please visit our Captive population - Enrichment page.
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Case Studies
Isaac, a 30 year old captive bred kea from Gore District Council, was flown up to Auckland on the 2nd November by Department of Conservation and from there driven to Franklin Zoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Tuakau, by Tamsin Orr-Walker of the Kea Conservation Trust for rehabilitation.
Isaac demonstrates severe feather plucking. The only feathers remaining are his head, primary wing and tail feathers. The reason for his feather plucking has not been determined; however as he otherwise appears to be in good physical health, his self mutilation may be indicative of a stereotypic behaviour caused by stress and/or boredom. Helen Schofield, Franklin Zoo Owner/ operator and veterinarian has found no physical reasons for his feather plucking. Issac will remain at Franklin Zoo until he regains full health and during his convalescence will be placed on an intensive enrichment programme to ensure he is stimulated. He will also be observed to discover how much time he spends performing different behaviours. This will provide important information on how best to manage Isaac in the future to ensure his long-term mental and physical health is assured.
Franklin zoo already house two very healthy pair of kea. Although many captive kea in New Zealand are known to display stereotypic behaviours, neither of Franklins resident pair have been recorded stereotyping. Stereotypical behaviours are seen as indicators of stress in captive animals as they are not performed by animals in the wild.
Although stereotypic behaviours are often difficult to resolve once ingrained, there are ways in which they can be reduced. In our juvenile kea, they should not be seen at all.
We will keep you updated on Isaacs progress over the next few months.
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Kea Information 
