Kim Klosterman Hanging the Kea toy in the indoor enclosure
Last week I sent a big toy to my friends the Keas at the Cincinnati Zoo. The staff had a pretty good time watching them beat the living hell out of the thing. The Zoo has some Keas in an outdoor enclosure for up close and personal interaction with the public. I suspect the Zoo Guests who decide to visit these little marauders have no idea how wild they can get with their curiosity and destructive ways. The Staff originally put the toy outside:
The Kea Army Heading For the Staff
A Little music and video to go with the “Kea Invasion”:
Oooooh! Shoes!
“What are these things?”
Kim Tying the toy up outside
But the Keas that are outside have a lot going on out there with people walking by and so much to see; like shoes and boots. They displayed little interest in the toy, so they moved in indoors for Stella & Jacques who took to it like the little marauders they are:
The Little Hoodlums Developing an Interest in the Monster Toy
Hmmmm….
Okay, here we go! Stella and Jacques prepare for destruction!
Steve reported that they mashed on it for about an hour and had a wonderful time. There were pieces and parts lying all over the floor of the enclosure:
Mass Destruction…I Love It!
Doesn’t He Look Proud!
I received a wonderful post on Facebook from Steve Malowski, “Lead Cheese” at The Cincinnati Zoo, and I wanted to share his comments and observations with you about the Kea Toy and the response from not just the birds, but the Keepers. I guess it was fun for everyone. Steve’s observations:
“I’ll have to admit it was quite the diversion from the “normal” insanity here…more insanity, but a pleasant diversion nonetheless…everyone that was here was involved either taking part or taking pictures or videos. So, you see, it wasn’t just enrichment for the birds but for us as well. We enrich our charges as much as we can all of the time, but not like this, from an outside source and believe me it is most appreciated. I haven’t heard this much giggling since the Woody Allen movies from the 60’s & 70’s. We had some fun. Thank you. Now back to work tomorow, as you know.”
-Steve Malowski
Steve knows how to balance the equation, and I’m so glad the Keepers had as much fun as the birds.
Know you must be beside yourself with the news you’ve been ordered back to the Zoo. Hooray!
I’m absolutely thrilled, B.!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pictures of the Keas!!!! Especially “The Kea Army Heading For the Staff.” It doesn’t get any better than that!