We investigate the behaviour and cognitive abilities of wild toutouwai (North Island robin, Petroica longipes) and kākā (Nestor meridionalis) at Zealandia Sanctuary Te Māra a Tāne in Wellington, New Zealand. Both species are endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand and evolved without mammalian predators such as rats, stoats and cats. As a result, they are bold, curious and pretty fearless – making them ideal volunteers for cognition research in the wild. Our research team examines how cognition evolves in natural populations and how it helps animals respond to the challenges that they face in their daily lives.

Our research has been supported by grants from Te Apārangi Royal Society, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington City Council, Wellington Zoo, and MBIE Smart Ideas.