The keepers have thought of a special activity for the keas. Paper hearts are filled with grains and nuts, and roses are also brought to the animals. “Keas are very clever and playful animals. They had a lot of fun with the hearts and flowers,” reported animal keeper Michael Schroll.
“First they curiously picked out the hidden treats and then took everything apart with great joy,” he said. The keas originally come from the mountains of New Zealand and are therefore one of the few parrot species that are not at home in the tropics. They love cold and snow, prefer to stay on the ground and can live up to 50 years.
“Keas are unusual parrots in every respect. The clever birds are even able to use tools. They are very social animals and can also solve complex problems. We therefore always come up with something new and exciting to offer our charges with varied to deal with challenges,” reported Schroll. Keas are classified as “endangered” on the Red List – there are only around 4,000 animals worldwide. As part of the conservation breeding program, Schönbrunn Zoo is also hoping for offspring from these special animals.
Source: Nachrichten
