Education of Zoo Visitors and Advocacy of Kea - Kea Conservation ...

Interestingly the next highest frequency was “humans are invading Kea habitat”, this
may reflect the growing concern for conservation, and the impact humans have on the
natural world. The publics’ awareness of problems with farmers and sheep was also
highlighted. The potential for Kea to be destructive and cause damage to human
property besides cars was another area highlighted.
The majority of visitors thought that Kea should be a protected species. The majority
of visitors felt Kea are important to conserve and privilege to encounter in the wild.
These three answers may show visitors potential empathy towards awareness and
support for conservation of New Zealand Native species.
In the Kea Advocacy Strategy (Peat 1995 pg 22) there appears a discrepancy between
Kea advocacy and the following statement “captive Kea do not allow adornment of
their environment, they are inclined to destroy any attempt to green or decorate their
cage” this is statement does nothing to encourage a differing view of Kea.
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