LITTLE AUSSIE BATTLER

Amid Cyclone Debbie’s devastation, an unlikely survivor

AS TROPICAL Cyclone Debbie’s Category 4 winds lashed Airlie Beach yesterday, Bulletin photographer Alix Sweeney spotted a flash of white on the ground among the fallen trees and debris near her hotel. Ducking out into the weather, she came across a dazed white cockatoo ( above), saturated and disoriented after being caught in the cyclonic winds that wrought havoc between Bowen and Mackay. Alix’s photo of the bird – now named Debbie – became a social media sensation and touched hearts around the world, a symbol of survival among the wreckage.

A COCKATOO, stripped of feathers and cowering among broken branches and leaves showed the power of Cyclone Debbie’s fury.

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

Ms Sweeney ( pictured) ducked out of her accommodation 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.

“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 contacted a wildlife carer at Fauna Rescue Whitsundays.

The bird quickly captured the attention of the nation and last night was attracting attention from international media.

Ms Sweeney’s photo was shared thousands of times across social media and the Bulletin was inundated with inquiries about the bird’s welfare and advice on how to care for it.

Birds, bats, snakes, kangaroos, wallabies, and possums are expected to be injured or in distress as Cyclone Debbie batters North and Central Queensland.

The cockatoo, which Ms Sweeney has appropriately nicknamed Debbie, was still waiting for help last night. As destructive winds continued to batter Airlie Beach, a wildlife carer was not able to safely get to Ms Sweeney’s accommodation to collect the cockatoo.

Instead, the bird hunkered down with his new friend as the pair waited together for the extreme weather to pass.

“After having a bit of a rest he seems really active now,” she said.

“I hoping it doesn’t start flying around my motel room during the night otherwise I might end up running out into the cyclone.”

Ms Sweeney, under advice from a wildlife carer, kept the bird wrapped in a towel to keep it warm and was giving it water mixed with sugar.

It’s hoped a wildlife carer will be able to collect the bird this morning.

Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Association was advising anyone who finds injured wildlife to message them though Facebook if powerlines are down.

People handling animals should only do so if they feel completely confident and avoid sharp claws and teeth.

Bats, snakes and adult kangaroos or wallabies should not be handled.

Wear gloves while handling the animal and wrap it in a towel.

Birds should be put in a covered box, pet carry cage or laundry basket with good ventilation.

Baby kangaroos, wallabies and possums can be put in a pillowcase or jumper.

Animals should be kept warm and placed in a quiet room.