In a bizarre twist of fate that captured the hearts and imaginations of Sydneysiders, a cockatoo named Mickey spent nearly a month living inside a Coles supermarket, surviving on nothing but brioche. The feathered squatter’s antics came to an end on Tuesday when wildlife officials finally managed to capture him, with plans to release him back into the wild soon.
A Bird’s-Eye View of Supermarket Living
Mickey’s impromptu residency at the Campbelltown Coles began four weeks ago when he somehow found his way into the store and decided to make it his new home. Unperturbed by the constant hustle and bustle of shoppers, the cheeky cockatoo made himself comfortable, roosting on shelves and sampling the bakery’s finest brioche.
“He was really living the high life in there,” a Coles employee said. “Plenty of food, shelter, and a captive audience. He became quite the local celebrity.”
Failed Capture Attempts and False Rumors
Despite his cozy setup, concerns grew for Mickey’s well-being. Wildlife rescue groups launched several attempts to capture the bird, but Mickey proved to be a wily and evasive target. False rumors even began to circulate online that authorities had issued a “kill order” for the bird.
“The rumors of a ‘kill order’ are completely false,” NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe clarified. “Our priority has always been Mickey’s safety and well-being. We were determined to secure his release.”
Operation Mickey: The Rescue Mission
In a last-ditch effort, rescue groups brought in a secret weapon: a female cockatoo named Old Lady Doris. The plan was for Doris to calm Mickey and lure him into a trap. The plan nearly worked – Mickey flew down to meet his feathered friend but got spooked at the last minute and retreated out of reach.
Undeterred, wildlife officials persisted. After several more hours of careful maneuvering, they finally managed to safely capture Mickey in the early evening. The supermarket squatter’s reign had come to an end.
From Supermarket to Sanctuary
Now in the care of wildlife experts, Mickey will undergo a thorough health assessment. If given a clean bill of health, he’ll soon taste freedom again – this time in his natural habitat.
“Mickey’s become a bit of a folk hero,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said. “He’s everywhere in Sydney’s spirit animal at the moment. We’re all relieved he’s safe and sound.”
As for the supermarket that Mickey called home for the past month, it’s back to business as usual – though the staff admit the store feels a bit empty without their feathered friend.
“We’ll miss him,” a cashier said. “But we’re happy he’ll be going back to where he belongs. He’ll always be a part of the Coles Campbelltown legend.”
Mickey’s story is a testament to the resilience of urban wildlife and the dedication of the people who protect them. His supermarket saga may have come to a close, but his legend will likely live on in Sydney’s collective memory – a cockatoo who captured a city’s heart, one brioche at a time.
“He was really living the high life in there,” a Coles employee said. “Plenty of food, shelter, and a captive audience. He became quite the local celebrity.”
Failed Capture Attempts and False Rumors
Despite his cozy setup, concerns grew for Mickey’s well-being. Wildlife rescue groups launched several attempts to capture the bird, but Mickey proved to be a wily and evasive target. False rumors even began to circulate online that authorities had issued a “kill order” for the bird.
“The rumors of a ‘kill order’ are completely false,” NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe clarified. “Our priority has always been Mickey’s safety and well-being. We were determined to secure his release.”
Operation Mickey: The Rescue Mission
In a last-ditch effort, rescue groups brought in a secret weapon: a female cockatoo named Old Lady Doris. The plan was for Doris to calm Mickey and lure him into a trap. The plan nearly worked – Mickey flew down to meet his feathered friend but got spooked at the last minute and retreated out of reach.
Undeterred, wildlife officials persisted. After several more hours of careful maneuvering, they finally managed to safely capture Mickey in the early evening. The supermarket squatter’s reign had come to an end.
From Supermarket to Sanctuary
Now in the care of wildlife experts, Mickey will undergo a thorough health assessment. If given a clean bill of health, he’ll soon taste freedom again – this time in his natural habitat.
“Mickey’s become a bit of a folk hero,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said. “He’s everywhere in Sydney’s spirit animal at the moment. We’re all relieved he’s safe and sound.”
As for the supermarket that Mickey called home for the past month, it’s back to business as usual – though the staff admit the store feels a bit empty without their feathered friend.
“We’ll miss him,” a cashier said. “But we’re happy he’ll be going back to where he belongs. He’ll always be a part of the Coles Campbelltown legend.”
Mickey’s story is a testament to the resilience of urban wildlife and the dedication of the people who protect them. His supermarket saga may have come to a close, but his legend will likely live on in Sydney’s collective memory – a cockatoo who captured a city’s heart, one brioche at a time.
