Hitch

Hitch was banded on Anzac Day in 2021 in Arthur's Pass village as a fledgling, along with James and Stovey. Hitch was named after Chris Hitch, a long time bach owner at Bealey Spur and a long serving APA Committee member who was involved in getting the kea statue installed. Unfortunately, Hitch had to immediately be taken to the South Island Wildlife Hospital for care and treatment due to high levels of lead in her blood. The Arthur's Pass community is working on removing lead from key buildings in Arthur's Pass village where kea eat the lead (which tastes sweet to them) and accumulates in their body. Hopefully in a few more years, no more kea will need to be treated for lead poisoning. If you wish to donate to this lead removal project, please contact the Arthur's Pass Wildlife Trust or the Kea Conservation Trust to make a donation.