Theo II

'Theo II' is named after the first mokopuna (grandchild) of Pete and Fi Neale, hard working, conservation-minded locals from Arthur's Pass. They have been huge supporters, sponsors and helpers right from the start of this project and have previously named two other kea that were banded in Arthur's Pass village. It has been a little disheartening, however, because these birds have not been sighted in the village again. This is actually a good thing - it means that they have most likely dispersed away into the mountains, to a better spot where they don't face the danger of humans and our food and cars etc each and every day. The 'problem' that we have is that young kea often disperse away from the site where you first encounter them and they may never be seen again. However, the beauty and value of the Kea Sightings Database is that citizen scientists everywhere, i.e. YOU, have spotted and reported seeing kea that were banded ten or more years ago, while out in remote valleys, far away from the sites where they were first seen. So if you see Theo II or any of his mates out there, please keep reporting them! The information we are learning is extremely valuable. UPDATE: April 24 2019 Theo II has died. He was hit by a car at Deaths Corner and brought into the DOC Visitor Centre at Arthur's Pass. Please take care around kea with your vehicle.

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Arthur's Pass Alpine Motels