French theme park deploys birds to collect litter

[canetoad]

A theme park in France is set to deploy six "intelligent" birds to pick up rubbish and spruce up the grounds.

The rooks at the Puy du Fou theme park in the west of the country have been taught to collect cigarette ends and other small bits of rubbish.

They then deposit the litter into a small box which will deliver some bird food as a reward for their hard work.

The first feathery cleaners have already been put to work, with the rest set to join them on Monday.

Nicolas de Villiers, the head of the park, told AFP news agency that it was not just about keeping the area clean.

"The goal is not just to clear up, because the visitors are generally careful to keep things clean".

It was also about showing "that nature itself can teach us to take care of the environment".

He added that the rooks, which are a member of the crow family that also includes ravens and jackdaws, are "particularly intelligent" and "like to communicate with humans and establish a relationship through play".

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-45155818 (no more at link)

[itsrobert]

1. Are they potty trained too?

Looks like they are trading one problem for another.

[Dave Starsky]

4. That was my first thought, too.

Is it easier to pick up trash, or clean up bird shit everywhere?

[Mariana]

5. Six rooks aren't going to leave "bird shit everywhere". nt.

[Throck]

2. I've watched seagulls clean McDonald's parking lots for years.

No french fry left behind.

[NurseJackie]

3. How long before they beging to steal guest's personal belongings in order to get a treat?

Like those monkeys that steal tourist's hats or sunglasses and give them back in trade for food.