Wānanga

Update: October 2024 Wānanga is one of the most well travelled kea that we know about! In his movement data, you'll see that he's been from Arthur's Pass to Stillwater, on to Punakaiki and Karamea then up towards Farewell Spit! What a traveler! He is also famous because a children's book has now been written about the true story of Wānanga's lead poisoning and his trip to the Wildlife Hospital in the police truck. Go to Wānanga Jr's kea database page for more information. Update: 29th November 2017 In October 2017, Wānanga was caught and taken in for treatment at the South Island Wildlife Hospital for lead poisoning. Wānanga has had several weeks of chelation treatment before being declared "lead-free" and has now been released near Arthur's Pass. Wānanga has been in good company - his buddy Kerewa was also in for lead poisoning treatment. They were looked after exceptionally well by the amazing team at the South Island Wildlife Hospital in Christchurch getting lots of stimulation and activity during their stay. Please keep an eye out for Wānanga and Kerewa and report any sightings into the sightings database so we can keep track of how they're doing post-treatment. 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. Wānanga was banded at Death's Corner by Corey Mosen in April 2017. His Māori name 'Wānanga' translates to: instructor, wise person, sage, authority, expert, guru, philosopher, savant.