A kea on Avalanche Peak in Arthur's Pass. The Kea Conservation Trust says the birds at Arthur's Pass are showing high levels of lead in their blood, which causes starvation and ultimately may lead to death. "Last year, between October and November we had six [kea] deaths at Arthur's Pass," Dr Young said. She said most of the young birds tests have shown high levels of lead in their blood. She said the birds had always been attracted to areas like Aoraki / Mt Cook village, Franz Josef, Arthur's Pass, and Fox Glacier as well as buildings and cars.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 27, 2020 00:11 UTC