Rasputin

'Rasputin' was named by a good friend of our team who sometimes helps us out with our work while in Arthur's Pass. Named after Grigori Rasputin from Russia who led a fascinating existence including having significant influence on the Tsar and his family at the time, a self-proclaimed mystic, visionary, prophet and a religious charlatan, perhaps? Apart from being a memorable name, Rasputin's life may well reflect that of some individual kea.. a bit of a wanderer, having sway and leaving a big impression on people. Throw in some trickery, allure them with mystique. Some see them both as disreputable peasants! They are both certainly characters which people have mixed feelings about. Food for thought: Was their historical influence actually so profound or has their impact and reputation been disproportionately subject to major embellishment as time's gone by? (Think kea sheep-killing days).