Orana Wildlife Park's six Kea will host a 'house warming' party tomorrow morning, marking the official opening of a massive new exhibit.

An immersive walk-through Kea aviary will be officially opened at Orana Wildlife Park tomorrow by Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker. The exciting exhibit, costing $200,000 for materials, was built by the Park's Development Team and provides Orana's six Kea with a healthier home. Visitors traverse a board walk through the aviary giving people a close encounter with these remarkable birds and then exit through a musterer's hut, the main interpretation area. Orana's Head Keeper of Native Fauna, Tara Atkinson, is delighted with the exhibit: "The habitat demonstrates the intelligence and uniqueness of Kea, whilst highlighting the fact that the birds are endangered. We want visitors to appreciate the beauty of these parrots and demonstrate how people can help conserve these magnificent mountain larrikins."

The aviary measures 20 metres long by 17.6 metres wide and reaches 6.8 metres at the peak giving the birds the opportunity to soar through the aviary. The habitat is designed to simulate a regenerating Beech forest and contains fallen trees, roosting posts, a water pool, an iron roof and many other features for the birds.

"The birds were moved from their previous 30 year old homes into the new exhibit four months ago, meaning they have adjusted to their larger surroundings. The Kea enjoy stretching their wings in flight, playing in their pool, following the sun around the exhibit and are especially intrigued by having visitors stroll through their habitat. Visitors enjoy the opportunity to see the birds so close and without barriers" adds Tara.

As a registered charitable trust, Orana Wildlife Park must separately fundraise for all new capital developments, such as the Kea aviary. "We take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge the estate of Jessie Winchester and the Un Cadeau Charitable Trust for funding this important project" says Chief Executive, Lynn Anderson. Kea are only found in New Zealand's Southern Alps. They are classified as a 'Nationally Endangered' species but their wild population is unknown - estimates normally range from 1,000 to 5,000 birds. One of the main ways local people can assist in Kea conservation is by not feeding the birds and ensuring their equipment is secure when entering Kea territory.

"It's fantastic to have a brand new native habitat that is so popular with our visitors. The interactive nature of the exhibit, and accompanying interpretation, enhances our conservation advocacy messages for these endangered birds" adds Tara.