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Interactive Exhibit at Cincinnati Zoo
Jackie Bray – Avian Trainer, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Kimberly Klosterman – Senior Aviculture Keeper, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
On 1 June 2014, The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened a new interactive kea exhibit which allows zoo guests to get up close with the birds and work cooperatively with the flock to support conservation efforts. The Cincinnati Zoo cares for the largest flock of kea in North America and one of the largest flocks in the world. With the addition of 6 chicks this breeding season, the flock currently consists of 16 individuals. Providing public advocacy for the conservation of the species and plenty of enrichment for the birds are important responsibilities
of the zoo. The new exhibit facilitates these activities while providing a unique environment for families to share a meaningful experience with wildlife. Jessica Meehan, AZA Kea Program Leader and Population Manager, states, “I couldn’t be more excited about Cincinnati Zoo’s success with breeding kea this year! This flock includes a number of genetically important birds and the population has been struggling with breeding in recent years, so these chicks represent a great move in the right direction. Cincinnati’s
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unique way of housing and managing kea in a large flock has proven to be a great combination of guest experience and breeding opportunity for this species.” During the summer, the kea share the exhibit with several other avian species, including lories, lorikeets, several pigeon species, ruddy shelducks, magpie and cape barren geese. In the winter the kea have the exhibit to themselves since the other species are less tolerant of the cold weather, and kea aggression tends to increase during their breeding season. The new exhibit contains a
Photo: ChengLun Na