Black Cockatoo Rehabilitation Facility

Black cockatoos are listed as endangered species in WA. There are three species, the white tails, Carnaby and Baudin and the red tail Forrest Red. The white tails, in particular, are under pressure from a decline in breeding habitat in the wheatbelt and food habitat on the coastal plain, due to continuing land clearing for housing and development. The present trend in WA of diminishing rainfall is also placing increased pressure on these magnificent birds.

The Department of Environment and Conservation will use NAR as a northern suburbs location for black cockatoos to complement other facilities for these endagered species in the southern suburbs. NAR has lodged a Statement of Capacity to handle these birds with DEC and under that statement DEC and the Zoo will be coordinating the training of NAR staff in the proper and safe handling of these birds.

Native Animal Rescue has worked with Perth Zoo and DEC to design a state of the art facility for the handling of injured and sick black cockatoos. It will provide individual housing for up to 9 convalescing birds adjacent to a 30m x 9m flight area where birds will be able to build their wing strength prior to release. It has been designed to ensure minimal handling of birds as they progress from intensive care in the small isolation cages to the open flight area.

Lotterywest has approved funding for the project and this was the last piece of the funding jigsaw for this project. Significant funding has also been provided by Fiona Stanley Hospital and David and Noellene Williams.

The building plans have been approved and construction has commenced. The construction cost of the new facility is $350,000. Facilities for these large birds are expensive, because they have to be built out of materials that can withstand their powerful beaks. Black Cockatoos have a natural talent for destruction, it is how they harvest their food.

In addition to this facility, a transportable has been purchased as a biosecurity unit and is currently being refurbished and fitted out with airconditioning, benches and fittings. This will provide for the initial housing of birds, until their disease status can be assessed and an appropriate admission strategy implemented to minimise risk of transfer of disease from sick to healthy birds.

It is expected that the facility will be operational by October.

Cost of feeding black cockatoos is estimated at up to $100 per week, depending on the season.