What inspires you about your job?
Our inspiration is that we are here to help educate people and raise awareness but also to try to make a difference to endangered animal populations. As a vet here at the Zoo, I am not only involved in the care and treatment of the zoo’s animals but I also work with sick and injured wild black cockatoos. These birds are brought in to the Zoo for assessment and treatment and then released back into the wild when possible. In this way, we are helping to contribute to the conservation of the species.
You work a lot with black cockatoos. What is so interesting about them?
They are charismatic, highly intelligent birds with a strong social structure. These birds form very strong pair bonds and mate for life. Another amazing thing about them is that they are very long-lived; we don’t know the life expectancy for wild birds but in captivity, black cockatoos have been known to live into their 70s.
With so many cockatoos around, why the concern about this bird?
That’s exactly the problem – people see big flocks of black cockatoos and can’t believe that they are endangered. In actual fact, when you talk to someone who lived here 50 years ago they will tell you that the flocks were much bigger then. They’re right here in our own back yard and because we see them every day it’s difficult to believe that they are actually endangered.
As with all other species, if the black cockatoo becomes extinct it will have a ripple effect on other species of flora and fauna in its immediate environment.
What is their biggest threat?
As with most wildlife, it is loss of habitat. Their breeding ground is inland, including the wheat belt where lots of land has been cleared. The range of habitat for black cockatoos has reduced by about a third in the last half century. They live around Perth during the non-breeding season so they are also vulnerable to the impact of development and human activity including vehicle strike.
How many are estimated to be left?
It’s difficult to get a fix on the numbers because they are migratory. However, the estimate is that about 50% of their population has been lost over the past 50 years or so. On top of that, it is possible that many of the birds in the flocks you see today are old and are past breeding age because of the loss of suitable nesting areas.
What is your biggest wish for the black cockatoo?
I want people to know that these cockatoos are endangered because that will, hopefully, create a change in attitude. If people know the black cockatoo is endangered they might become more prepared to do the right thing when they see an injured bird and call the 24-hour Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
If you want to get involved in conservation, learn how Perth Zoo can help. Visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Act
Find out more about the conservation organisations which our featured staff support.
Photos courtesy of Phil England and Anna.
