Hundreds of native corellas found dead, suspected poisoned, at Springvale South shopping centre

Experts are investigating what caused the suspected poisoning of about 150 native corellas which dropped from the sky on to homes, cars and a shopping centre in horror scenes in Springvale South.

Avian experts are trying to examine the cause of the suspected poisoning of about 150 native corellas last weekend at Springvale South.

The dead birds were found in the car park of the shopping hub at the corner of Athol and Springvale roads.

Rotting carcasses were also retrieved from the shopping centre roof and scattered across the playground at the nearby Athol Road Primary School.

Hundreds of birds were found dead at the Springvale South shopping centre. Picture: South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter

Michele Phillips from South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter said volunteers had experienced a traumatic day dealing with the deaths.

“They literally fell from the sky. Birds were dead or injured on people’s houses, nearby parks, under cars,’’ Ms Phillips said.

“This is just horrific,’’ she told the Herald Sun.

Wildlife volunteers discovered the carnage. Picture: South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter

“Thank goodness it’s school holidays and there are no kids at the primary school to see this.’’

The state’s environmental supervisor has appealed for the public’s help in tracking down the culprits.

“It’s illegal and dangerous to poison wildlife, and we’re calling on the community to come forward with any information they might have that will help us to track down whoever is responsible,” a statement from the Conservation Regulator said.

The carcasses are being examined to determine what killed the birds, in horrific scenes at the shopping centre, compared to a doomsday-like scenario with the animals dropping from the sky.

Staff from the Conservation Regulator, Agriculture Victoria and Zoos Victoria, including avian experts Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, are assessing the birds for potential causes of death.

Most of the affected birds were little corellas as well as some long-billed corellas, crested pigeons and non-native pigeons.

Seven surviving little corellas are now in care at Healesville Sanctuary.

Corellas are a protected species in Victoria. Picture: David Crosling

  

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said the poisoning was another example of “sickening animal cruelty’’ in Victoria.

“I am disturbed to think that someone may have deliberately caused these doomsday-like scenes in suburban Melbourne where birds are literally falling from the sky.

“The Allan Labor government must honour their commitment to modernise our state’s archaic wildlife protection laws to deter this abhorrent behaviour and ensure serious penalties can be applied when perpetrators are caught.”

An RSPCA Victoria spokesman confirmed the organisation was investigating a report of alleged animal cruelty.

“Reports of animal cruelty involving native wildlife, including birds, will be referred to DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action),” the spokesman said.

Corellas are native to Australia and are protected wildlife in Victoria but they can become a nuisance in some suburbs.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Hundreds of native corellas found dead, suspected poisoned, at Springvale South shopping centre