Keas are the world's only alpine parrot and face welfare challenges from human conflict, lead poisoning and the loss of persecution protection that allowed their recovery.
Keas exposed to lead from old building materials, vehicles and equipment develop sublethal toxicity causing neurological impairment and reduced survival. Human-kea conflicts arising from their curiosity — car dismantling, rubbish raiding — result in killing, vehicle strikes and deliberate poisoning. Their intelligence and boldness are evolutionary assets that become welfare liabilities in human-modified environments. Lead remediation and conflict education reduce preventable welfare harm.