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

This study also investigated what effect certain categories <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kea</strong> behaviour had on visitor
interest. Visitor interest was based on a measure <strong>of</strong> the proportion <strong>of</strong> time a visitor allocated to
viewing the enclosure over the accompanying signage. Contrary to expectations based on
previous literature (eg: Bitgood et al. 1988; Johnston, 1998; Margulis et al. 2003; Todd et al.
2006) there was no evidence to suggest that <strong>Kea</strong> behaviours had an influence on visitor interest.
However, measuring visitor interest based on the proportions <strong>of</strong> allocated time at the exhibit,
rather than the length <strong>of</strong> time spent there, may be an inaccurate assessment <strong>of</strong> visitor interest. A
number <strong>of</strong> anecdotal observations throughout the period <strong>of</strong> data collection (supplemented by
those found in other studies using different species (Johnston, 1998; Bitgood et al. 1988))
suggest visitor interest can be affected by a combination <strong>of</strong> factors at the <strong>Kea</strong> exhibit. <strong>The</strong>
proximity <strong>and</strong> visibility <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Kea</strong>, along with the implementation <strong>of</strong> enrichment devices that
demonstrate their manipulative exploratory nature <strong>and</strong> skills, appeared to hold a visitors attention
toward the whole exhibit for longer. This requires further investigation.
It is widely recognised that interpretation in zoological parks should take a holistic approach
using their staff <strong>and</strong> volunteers, their animals, their enclosures <strong>and</strong> accompanying graphics
(WAZA, 2005). <strong>The</strong> <strong>Kea</strong> Captive Management Plan 1996 <strong>and</strong> the un<strong>of</strong>ficial review in 2002
expect institutions to display <strong>Kea</strong> in an ecologically relevant context. This should be complex,
<strong>and</strong> implemented with enrichment that provides the birds with an opportunity to display their full
repertoire <strong>of</strong> behaviours (Orr-Walker, 2005). Supplemented by relevant signage designed to
attract the visitor <strong>and</strong> interpret the behaviours <strong>and</strong> interactions with the environment displayed
by the <strong>Kea</strong> therein, allows the <strong>Kea</strong> themselves to act as ambassadors for the conservation <strong>of</strong> their
species in the wild. If this holistic approach occurs sufficiently institutions holding <strong>Kea</strong> in
captivity will be better able to fulfil their role in engendering support for this endangered
endemic.
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