Perth Zoo to construct Black Cockatoo triage facility

The cockatoo hospital follows a vaccination trial being run by the Perth Zoo that began in May.

The zoo spokeswoman said the hospital would increase capacity to treat and stabilise wild black cockatoos, create greater separation between wild bird admissions and resident zoo animals, and enable the safe continuation of Perth Zoo’s black cockatoo program.

She said the hospital would be separate from the rest of the zoo.

“A key biosecurity principle adopted by zoos and wildlife institutions around the world is to separate wild animal admissions from resident zoological animal collections wherever possible,” she said.

“Establishing a dedicated black cockatoo triage and care facility separate from Perth Zoo’s resident animal hospital reduces the potential risk of disease transmission between wild bird patients and animals living within the zoo.

“The facility will be installed within the zoo grounds, currently a back of house, non-display area that is earmarked in our master plan for the future conservation and veterinary science precinct.”