The Dynamics of Kea Behaviour and Interpretive Signage on Visitor ...

It must also be remembered that regardless <strong>of</strong> whether or not <strong>Kea</strong> behaviours, visibility or
proximity, do impact on visitor interest in the exhibit <strong>and</strong> accompanying signage, the education
<strong>and</strong> advocacy <strong>of</strong> this species is not restricted to visitors reading the accompanying graphics (or
attending keeper presentations), <strong>and</strong> can be affected by a myriad <strong>of</strong> other components within the
exhibit context. <strong>The</strong>se interpretive means should only be considered by captive institutions as a
few <strong>of</strong> several used to provide learning opportunities to visitors <strong>and</strong> engender positive attitude
change. Public perception <strong>of</strong> the enclosure type <strong>and</strong> thus the context in which the birds are
displayed can influence what knowledge, value, <strong>and</strong> attitude toward <strong>Kea</strong> a display institutions
visitors are leaving with. Relevant enclosure architecture <strong>and</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> species-appropriate
enrichment is also necessary for visitors to have an underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kea</strong> <strong>and</strong> their interactions
with the environment, <strong>and</strong> to develop positive emotions <strong>and</strong> attitudes towards them (Sterling et
al. 2007). This is supported in research discussed by Reading & Miller (2007) that found captive
animals displayed in more naturalistic, authentic environments which included an educational
focus to have a more positive impact on a visitors’ interest <strong>and</strong> attitude toward wildlife <strong>and</strong>
conservation in general.
Similarly, if human presence in the environment can provide an increase in positive enrichment
for captive <strong>Kea</strong> as suggested in Orr-Walker et al. (2005) study, <strong>and</strong> visitors are actively seeking
interaction in their experience with captive <strong>Kea</strong> (as is possibly indicated by the anecdotal
observations <strong>and</strong> conversations heard in this study), a walk-through, free flight aviary which
promote natural behaviours, human interaction <strong>and</strong> immersion, seems most ideal <strong>and</strong> appropriate
for this species notoriously known for its lack <strong>of</strong> neophobia <strong>and</strong> bold interaction with humans in
the wild. This opportunity could promote positive, interactive <strong>and</strong> emotive experiences for
visitors, which have been shown to be not only favourably received by visitors in terms <strong>of</strong>
enjoyment, but to also increase learning <strong>and</strong> positive attitudes towards conservation (Sterling et
al. 2007).
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