A disabled kea named Bruce, who lost the top half of his beak in a suspected trap accident, has been observed using an array of tools to preen his feathers. Photo / University of AucklandA disabled kea named Bruce, who lost the top half of his beak in a suspected trap accident, has been observed using an array of tools to preen his feathers. A study just published in the journal Scientific Reports tracked a kea housed at Christchurch's Willowbank Wildlife Reserve named Bruce, who was observed using pebbles to preen himself. His innovative pebble preening behaviour was first noted by keepers at Willowbank in late 2019. To establish this behaviour was, in fact, intentional tool use, researchers observed Bruce in the aviary at Willowbank across nine days.

Source: New Zealand Herald September 10, 2021 09:00 UTC