Our Second Black Cockatoo Release of the Year!
On Thursday 28th March, we released a group of rehabilitated Carnaby’s black cockatoos back into the wild. Release Days are incredibly rewarding, they leave everyone with warm fuzzy feelings and a real sense of satisfaction of a job well done!!
Would you believe that one of the Carnabys had been in our care for 1 day (he was hit by a golf ball ?). The other cockatoos were in our care for about 3-4 years due to vehicle strikes and CHiPs (Cockatoo Hindlimb Paralysis Syndrome) … A lot of time and effort were put in to the rehabilitation of these birds, but we love what we do ? and thank all of our wonderful supporters for helping us give them a second chance in life! Our released cockatoos were greeted by the local Carnaby’s in Yanchep National Park, we can be sure they are not alone for their first night out! Good luck guys!
If you can’t wait until our next release…… you can come and visit us for a private tour or visit us during our tour weekend which are scheduled for the 11th and 12th May. Bookings can now be made on our website. We have to give a huge thanks to Vetafarm for their generosity, as all of our black cockatoos enjoy their yummy pellets during their rehabilitation. Thank you also to our amazing volunteers for their wonderful work and dedication to Kaarakin!
Today, we are sharing the behind the scenes of the banding process. With the help of Peter from Perth Zoo we banded the black cockatoos who were just released!
Since 2003, each rehabilitated and released black cockatoos has been fitted with a uniquely numbered leg band. Carnaby’s and Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos wear their band on their right leg, while Baudin’s wear their band on the left leg. During the process a DNA sample is also taken to collect more information about the black cockatoo.
Here are more details regarding the banding process:
- We scan each cockatoo for their microchip number so we can identify which bird we are banding. The cockatoo is then banded and the number is recorded (think of it as a passport before the black cockatoo can take off!). As we can’t scan the birds in the wild for their microchip number the ID band acts as a visual ID.
- DNA sample is taken from a feather taken from the bird
- Cockatoo is weighed and final details are recorded. Sometime we need to check on certain birds to ensure that they are eating an adequate number of gumnuts in a certain period of time to sustain themselves in the wild, this is often referred to as the ‘gumnut challenge’.
- Cockatoo is released back inside the aviary until the final release day
Any questions about the banding process? Ask us by emailing fundraising@kaarakin.com!
Events For April & May (Including Tour Days)
Kids morning activities/ school holiday program on Saturday 13th April from 9:30am to 11:30am: Visit Kaarakin this school holiday for up close wildlife encounters and nature based activities. Parent/Guardian supervised event best suited to ages 5 –12. Click here for more information and how to book- Bird Bonanza on Saturday 27th April from 7.45am to 10.45am: Visit Kaarakin for up close wildlife encounters (includes friendly black cockatoo and dingo interactions), guided bushwalking bird tour, morning tea (provided) and a conservation activity. Click here for more information and how to book.
- Tour Days on 11th May and 12th May (Mother’s Day Weekend): At our upcoming tour days, you’ll be able to walk through the grounds of the Centre and see how we are working hard to protect and rehabilitate our native wild black cockatoo species. You can even enter our purpose-built interactive aviary and get up close with some of our black cockatoos. Click here for more information and how to book.
As we are not open to the public (even though we would love to!) and rely on volunteers, bookings are essential. If you have any questions please email tour@kaarakin.com
How You Can Support Kaarakin This Month
Purchase an Entertainment Book and be in the running to win zoo tickets! Read more about our competition here.- Parklane Jewellery: Designer inspired jewellery at a great price! Are you looking for a great Mother’s Day present? Check out these lovely pieces by Parklane Jewellery! Our fantastic volunteer Lisa is raising much needed funds for Kaarakin with 50% of each sale going to Kaarakin. Click here to browse the Parklane jewelry collection on this page.
- Photography encounter from $50: This is the perfect present for a keen bird photographer! Book a photography session in our interactive aviary and photograph our beautiful little friends! Tag us on social media and we’ll share your photos to our community! Email tour@kaarakin.com
- Monthly donations are now available online: Your kind gift will support our black cockatoo rescue and rehabilitation program. Give monthly, and you’ll become part of our passionate community invested in the conservation of our native black cockatoos. All gifts over $2 are tax deductible, giving you that great feeling knowing that you are contributing to the survival of our amazing black cockatoos.
Take Our Survey
We always strive to improve ourselves. Let us know what you think of our fundraising activities and events. We welcome your suggestions 🙂
Click here to take the survey
Rex was at the Enviro Fest at Whiteman Park on 31st March. She was a real sweetheart and inspired a lot of children and young adults. Photo credit: Benjamin Dicker
Rex and Muffy share an incredible friendship. The two arrived together at Kaarakin and are inseparable. Rex is a Baudin’s black cockatoo and Muffin is a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo.
Meet Squawk and his fantastic crest. Squawk was rescued last year however we quickly realised that he could not fly and he was fairly tame. This means he could have escaped or was abandoned. He is not a candidate for release however he is living a happy life at Kaarakin. Squawk lives in our interactive aviary so you can come and meet him! Photo credit: Eileen Liu
Let us know what you think! If you have any feedback or questions, please email fundraising@kaarakin.com. We love to hear from our supporters 🙂
Kaarakin wishes you a Happy Easter holiday with your loved ones!
