In an astonishing display of resourcefulness and adaptability, a sulphur-crested cockatoo named Mickey was recently rescued from a Sydney supermarket after living there for an incredible four weeks. The clever bird had been sustaining himself primarily on brioche bread, much to the surprise of wildlife rescuers and supermarket staff alike.
The Unusual Discovery
Mickey’s presence in the supermarket was first noticed by employees who spotted the large white bird perched atop shelves and flying through the aisles. Initially, they assumed he had simply flown in through an open door and would soon find his way out. However, as the days turned into weeks, it became clear that Mickey had made the supermarket his temporary home.
A Diet Fit for a King
Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that Mickey had been helping himself to the supermarket’s extensive selection of baked goods, with a particular fondness for brioche bread. Staff reported seeing the cockatoo tearing into loaves with gusto, leaving a trail of crumbs in his wake.
“He looked really well-fed and content,” said Ravi Wasan, the director of Feathered Friends bird rescue. “Apparently, he was eating really well in there.”
Despite his unconventional diet, Mickey appeared to be in good health when he was finally captured. Wildlife experts believe that the high calorie content of the brioche likely sustained him throughout his supermarket stay.
The Rescue Operation
Capturing Mickey proved to be a challenge, as the intelligent bird had grown accustomed to his new environment and was quite adept at evading attempts to catch him. After several unsuccessful efforts, wildlife rescuers decided to try a new approach.
Enter Old Lady Doris, another sulphur-crested cockatoo who was brought in by Wasan to help lure Mickey out of hiding. The plan worked like a charm; Mickey, drawn to the presence of another cockatoo, let his guard down long enough for Wasan to safely capture him.
A Happy Ending
With Mickey now in the care of wildlife experts, preparations are being made to release him back into his natural habitat. Wasan and his team at Feathered Friends will ensure that Mickey is healthy and ready to return to the wild before setting him free.
The NSW environment minister praised the successful rescue operation, stating:
“[Mickey] has been safely captured by wildlife rescuers after spending way too long in Macarthur Square shopping centre.”
Mickey’s story serves as a reminder of the adaptability and resilience of Australia’s native wildlife. It also highlights the importance of organizations like Feathered Friends, who work tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate animals that find themselves in unusual or dangerous situations.
As for the supermarket staff and patrons, they will undoubtedly miss their feathered friend, who brought a touch of excitement and wonder to their daily routines. However, they can take comfort in knowing that Mickey will soon be back where he belongs, soaring through the skies and enjoying a more balanced diet in his natural surroundings.
