ENDANGERED FLOCK JOINS ZOODOO

SEVEN critically endangered swift parrots have arrived at a Tasmanian zoo in a new breeding and awareness program.

The young birds have settled in at Zoodoo Zoo in Tea Tree after being reared in Victoria by a specialised breeder.

Zoo operations manager

Nick Atchison said staff were thrilled by the opportunity to help conserve the species, of which only 1000 breeding pairs still exist in the wild.

“We can let people know about the challenges they face in the wild, and apply our skills of captive breeding and management to develop a husbandry manual that can contribute towards any formal conservation program in the future,” he said.

The brightly coloured, speedy birds are yet to be named.

Executive director Nicola Craddock said breeding programs were “an important contribution to conservation for native species” as the zoo undergoes changes in light of its Zoo and Aquarium Association accreditation early last year.

Swift parrots introduced to Zoodoo Zoo. Picture: Mick Roderick, courtesy of Mindaribba LALC The zoo has a wildlife refuge on the property at the Coal River Tier as a home to some 230 flora and fauna, including the vulnerable blue gum, which the swift parrots call home. To see the young parrots at a daily keeper talk, visit Zoodoo, 9am-5pm seven days, or visit zoodoo.com.au for more information.