Cockatoo stripped of its feathers as Cyclone Debbie hits Airlie Beach

THE cockatoo that stole Australia’s heart after it was photographed stripped of its feathers by Cyclone Debbie, is being cared for by a photographer and is on the mend.

UPDATE: “Debbie,” the cockatoo who went viral after the Townsville Bulletin photographed her cowering in the wake of Cyclone Debbie, has made it through the night.

Townsville Bulletin journalist John Andersen this morning said that Debbie had been causing quite a stir in his motel room at Airlie Beach as she awaits professional help from Whitsunday wildlife carers.

She has dried out following her soaking and has emerged from the towel which Townsville Bulletin photographer Alix Sweeney wrapped her in after taking her photo in downed palm fronds during Cyclone Debbie.

Debbie, the cockatoo rescued after Cyclone Debbie is on the mend!
Photo: Townsville Bulletin pic.twitter.com/ZvWIyEqXBO

— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) March 28, 2017

The heartbreaking photo was captured by Townsville Bulletin photographer Alix Sweeney as the eye of Tropical Cyclone Debbie passed over Airlie Beach.

The cockatoo wrapped in a towel during the wait for help to arrive for the injured bird.

She said she ducked out during a quick break in the weather to photograph the broken and battered bird.

“The owner of the motel we’re staying in said there was a cockatoo at the end of the road,” Ms Sweeney said.

“I spotted something white among all the greenery. You couldn’t miss it.

Photographer Alix Sweeney with the cockatoo as she waits for help to arrive.

“There was a whole group of cockatoos sitting way up in the trees just clinging on during the gale-force winds.”

After taking the cockatoo’s photo, Ms Sweeney collected the bird and is waiting for it to be picked up by a wildlife carer.

Ms Sweeney told news.com.au she was caring for the bird in her hotel room.

“I went back and got a towel from the hotel and picked it up. I’m trying to get a hold of wildlife carers in the area but the winds picked up again and I can’t get through to them. I doubt they could get here either. But at the moment, it’s safe from the cyclone.”

On Facebook, Ms Sweeney was praised for showing compassion and taking the bird in.

“Amazing person you are, thank you,” Mary-Jane Hammoud wrote.

“Good on you darl, make sure you keep it warm,” Michele Black wrote.

“My heart was beginning to break,” Nicole Madden wrote. “So glad you didn’t leave him there. Thankyou for your kindness.”

Originally published as Cockatoo stripped of its feathers as Cyclone Debbie hits Airlie Beach