Lead Roofing is Bittersweet for Urban Kākā

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Lead Roofing is Bittersweet for Urban Kākā

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Zealandia is working with Massey University and Wellington Zoo to investigate a recent increase in cases of lead poisoning in urban kākā populations around Wellington.

“Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that is reported to have a sweet taste – especially to parrots.” said Zealandia conservation manager, Raewyn Empson.

“Kākā are extremely intelligent birds and they are known for their inquisitive nature. They will often chew on lead nails and flashings that are common on the roof fixtures of older houses.”

One way that Wellington residents can reduce the number of lead poisoning cases is by not feeding the kākā.

“We have heard of large flocks of kākā arriving in some backyards to wait for their evening feeds and this is when they’re getting their fix.” said Raewyn.

Zealandia recognizes that the Wellington community wants to help and has released information on their website about what food is best to feed birds and what to avoid for the sake of maintaining the ongoing health of the birds. They strongly urge people who choose to feed kākā that they ensure their roof fixtures are not lead-based.

“One family near the sanctuary has removed the lead nails in their roof and replaced them with something less appealing for the kākā to chew on” said Zealandia chief executive, Hilary Beaton

“Obviously we don’t expect everyone to do this, but this family’s actions are a great example of taking charge and adapting to a city with such a strong urban bird population.”

“The best we can do in the meantime is to work with Massey University and Wellington Zoo to better understand exactly how lead is affecting the health of kākā .”

Veterinary staff from Wellington Zoo visited Zealandia this morning to take blood samples from 9 chicks in the sanctuary. These have been rushed to Massey University where they will be tested for lead concentrations.

“Every time a chick came out of its nest to be sampled, the trees would be full of inquisitive adults checking us out. Samples are on the courier to Massey University without a hitch and the results should be back within the next few days.” said Wellington Zoo Veterinarian, Baukje Lenting.

Similar studies have been done in the South Island with the kākā ’s close relative, kea. The notoriously inquisitive and destructive nature of these birds has similarly brought them into contact with human hazards such as lead-based roof fixtures.

These studies have provided useful insight and baseline information on lead concentrations within the kea population that prompted the removal of lead-based roofing from backcountry Department of Conservation huts throughout the South Island.

Kākā are endemic to New Zealand and classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation with numbers declining throughout New Zealand.
Kākā had disappeared as a breeding species from Wellington by the end of the 19th century.
Kākā were first released in the Zealandia sanctuary in 2002, Wellington Zoo has also contributed kākā to this population.
The kākā population in Wellington is estimated to be between 200 – 250 birds. This does not account for un-banded birds and chicks hatched outside of the sanctuary.
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