Saving Wananga

The true story of Wānanga, a kea that was poisoned by lead, but recovered to be released again into the wild. Kea are the world’s only alpine parrot, highly intelligent and famous for their cheeky, often naughty behaviour. They are, however, endangered, and while predators are the main reason for this, they are also very vulnerable to lead poisoning from lead-head nails on iron roofs.

Saving Wānanga is the true story of a kea from Arthur’s Pass. Wānanga was being studied by a kea researcher when it became obvious that he was very sick. Testing revealed that he had lead poisoning, and so he was taken to an animal hospital in Christchurch. Happily, he was treated and recovered, and was taken back to the mountains where he was released and thrives to this day.

This delightful story will have great appeal for children, who are endlessly charmed by these wonderful, popular birds, and will appreciate a hopeful story of survival and conservation in action.