Amelia: Female, hatched at the Woodland park Zoo in Seattle on June 30, 2002. She arrived at the Zoo on October 11, 2010.
Maui: Male, hatched at the San Diego Zoo on December 23, 2005. He arrived at the Zoo on August 9, 2006.
Although appearing all olive green in color at a distance, close inspection reveals black edges to the feathers with the head color more brownish and the wing edges having a bluish tinge. Under the wings there are red and yellow feathers that are displayed in flight. Young keas have a yellow ring around the eye and a yellow cere (located just above the bill). This yellow darkens with age and is completely dark by 3-4 years. This is one of the few parrots that can live in an alpine habitat.
Longevity
Reported to live an average of 14 years in the wild but this is likely an underestimate. In captivity, commonly live into their 20's with individuals living into their 30s.
Behavior
Keas are curious and intelligent birds that can be very playful. Young keas play with all kinds of objects and often chase and wrestle with other keas. These smart and curious birds can be very destructive, manipulating everything with their long, curved bills.
Reproduction
Male keas become sexually mature at 4-5 years of age. Females may breed as early as age 3. They nest in cavities and lay 2-4 eggs in a clutch. Incubation is 3-4 weeks with nestlings fledging between 9 and 13 weeks.
Conservation Status
On the 2011 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the kea is listed as Vulnerable.
To learn more about the conservation efforts at the Philadelphia Zoo, click here.