Endangered kea on the road to recovery after shooting in Golden Bay

The young male kea was discovered at Ligar Bay in February, where he had been spotted limping over several days. A Kea Conservation Trust worker caught the bird, which was then flown free to Wellington by Golden Bay Air and driven by Department of Conservation (DOC) staff to Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital in Manawatū. An initial assessment revealed a severely infected left leg injury and poor body condition.

After receiving stabilising treatment, the kea had several diagnostic tests, including radiographs and a CT scan, which showed a shattered lower leg bone. The injury was caused by a lead-base bullet and left a deep, open wound on his foot.

Avian and wildlife veterinarian Professor Brett Gartrell says that lead-based rifle ammunition causes additional problems beyond the immediate injury.

“Lead shots shatter when they hit bone, making them more ‘effective’ as ammunition but also much harder to treat clinically due to the significant damage they cause. Another concern is the lead can be absorbed into the body, leading to lead toxicity – although fortunately in this case this hasn’t occurred.”

Since arriving at Wildbase, the kea has had his wound cleaned and treatment to remove dead tissue to allow the healthy tissue to heal. His recovery progress has been monitored, including the movement and sensation in his foot, as there were initial concerns about potential nerve damage and his ability to weight-bear.

While the kea’s fracture is healing, the team noticed a secondary issue affecting his respiratory system, known as airsacculitis, which causes breathing difficulties. The kea is being closely monitored and treated for this condition as well.

Avian and wildlife veterinarian Dr Megan Jolly says the despite the challenges, the kea’s inquisitive nature is shining through.

“We make sure to provide plenty of enrichment to distract the kea from his bandage, knowing how these clever birds can get into all sorts of mischief with their beaks. His ongoing recovery is being closely monitored, as he’s fighting infection due to the severe bone injury. We’ve found that the air sac inflammation is due to a mixed bacterial and fungal infection but he’s been responding well to treatment."

After five months of care at Wildbase Hospital, the kea is scheduled to be transferred to the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery facility later this week. There, he’ll undergo rehabilitation treatment to help him reacclimatise to the outdoors in preparation for his return to the South Island.

Kea are an iconic native parrot found nowhere else in the world but are in serious trouble largely due to the threat of predators like stoats and feral cats, says DOC Senior Science Advisor Kerry Weston.

“Kea are found from the mountains to the sea, and we need to do all we can to protect and live alongside them.”

While it’s unknown whether this kea was shot deliberately, there have been previous incidents in Golden Bay where kea have been shot and killed.

Kea are legally protected and deliberate harming of kea carries serious penalties under the Wildlife Act. Anyone with information about this or other kea related incidents or injuries should call DOC’s 24-hour hotline, 0800 DOC HOT.

Learn how you can support the work of Wildbase Hospital and donate to the Wildbase Research Fund via the Massey University Foundation.