Wildlife Services Work to Rescue Cockatoo Living in Sydney Supermarket

 

Wildlife services are currently focused on rescuing a cockatoo named Mickey, who has been living inside a Coles supermarket in Campbelltown, Sydney, for the past four weeks. New South Wales Environment Minister Penny Sharpe reassured the public on Tuesday that the bird would not be harmed, dismissing false rumors of a “kill order” circulating online.

Minister Sharpe stated that she had instructed the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to collaborate with Coles and wildlife rescue groups to ensure Mickey’s safe return to the wild. “National Parks is in contact with wildlife rescue groups and staff at Coles Macarthur Square,” she confirmed. “Mickey will be freed.”

The wildlife rescue organization Wires is planning to deploy another team to the supermarket on Tuesday in an effort to capture Mickey and release him into his natural habitat. Mickey has reportedly been surviving on brioche and water provided by the supermarket's night manager.

On Tuesday morning, a fellow cockatoo named Old Lady Doris was brought into the supermarket by Ravi Wasan, director of Feathered Friends bird rescue, in hopes of comforting Mickey. Initially, Mickey flew down, seemingly reassured by Doris's presence. However, he quickly became frightened and retreated out of reach when emergency doors were opened.

“He’s really scared because there have been so many attempts to catch him,” Wasan said. “The other cockatoo is so loving that it really reassured him, and we got so close… then they opened the emergency doors, and it spooked him.”

Despite the stressful circumstances, Wasan noted that Mickey appeared to be physically healthy and well-fed, thanks to the supermarket’s offerings. “He just needs to chill out, relax, and come down without thinking that people are going to try and catch him,” Wasan added.

Members of the Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services attempted to lure Mickey outside the previous night but faced difficulties, describing the situation as a “nightmare.” They noted that the bird had not experienced darkness in over four weeks, relying on the food and water provided by the night manager.

“Mickey hasn’t had any dark for over four weeks and has been living on brioche and water,” the rescue group shared on social media. “With so much food in the store, we’re unsure if traps will be effective. Hopefully, we exhausted him enough so he will come down for water.”

Minister Sharpe's office has confirmed that the “kill order” rumors were unfounded. Coles has been contacted for further comment regarding the situation.