Community effort saves cockatoo from close call

A cockatoo has had a lucky escape thanks to Macarthur volunteers, after he was found tangled in string and caught on a power pole.

The rescued cockatoo caught on a telegraph pole. Picture: I Schwaiger, WIRES Volunteer

• Nectar better than bread for wild birds
• Animal lovers embrace unusual pets

A cockatoo has had a lucky escape thanks to Macarthur volunteers, after he was found tangled in string and caught on a power pole.

The bird was spotted by residents in Moorebank, who called WIRES to come to the rescue.

WIRES volunteer Inga Tiere at the vets with the cockatoo. Picture: K McCue

Glenfield animal carer Inga Tiere was first on the scene to assess the bird’s condition, and called on staff from Integral Energy to get the bird out of the sticky situation.

“They came out with a truck and a cherry picker to get up there and were able to cut the string,” she said.

“It was difficult because the bird still had the ability to fly, but it was really a good outcome.”

Ms Tiere said workers braved bites from the panicked bird in order to get him safely back to the ground where he was taken to a vet for assessment.

Picture: I Schwaiger, WIRES Volunteer

Once he was given a full bill of health and untangled from the string, Ms Tiere was able to release the bird back into the wild.

“It’s not uncommon for us to get rescues with birds caught in string or fishing lines,” she said. “They aren’t always as successful as this instance because unfortunately they can’t always be saved.

“String can cause horrific injuries so we are very lucky there were none.”

Ms Tiere wanted to remind residents of the dangers that material such as string could pose for wildlife.

If you find an injured animal, call: 1300 094 737