Starring Role for Hamilton Zoo’s Cheeky Kea

One of Hamilton Zoo’s feathered friends is now the star of his very own book, proudly written by Zoo Keeper Kylie Martin.

The children’s book “Cheeky Charlie” is aimed at five to seven year olds and tells the story of Charlie the Kea’s hatching, his special bond with zoo keeper Peter Smits and his silly kea antics. All proceeds from the book are going to the Kea Conservation Trust.

28 year old Charlie has been a resident of Hamilton Zoo (formally known as Hilldale Game Farm) since he hatched in 1986.

Zoo Keeper and now author, Kylie Martin has worked at Hamilton Zoo for seven years and is very excited about the story and the potential to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.

“Charlie was the first ever kea egg to hatch at our zoo so he’s a special member of the team. His cheeky antics provide our keepers and visitors with hours of entertainment so is a perfect character for a children’s story book.

The Kea Conservation Trust do such amazing work trying to protect this special species and the funds raised will allow research to be conducted on issues that kea are currently facing.”

The uniquely Hamilton book is $15 and available for sale through the zoo souvenir shop. The book will also be available at the Tamahere markets this Saturday.

“I always wanted to write a children’s book because I love reading them myself. Pulling together this story has been incredibly exciting but it definitely wasn’t a solo effort – there are so many people who have contributed to the project.”

The Kea Conservation Trust aims to assist in the conservation of wild kea in their natural habitat and increase the husbandry standards and advocacy potential of those kea held in captive facilities within New Zealand.

Charlie loves visitors so make sure you come and say hello at Hamilton Zoo. He can be found in the kea enclosure which is just before New Zealand’s largest walk through aviary.

To visit Hamilton Zoo:
183 Brymer Road,
RD9, Hamilton.
www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media