Orange City Council is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) to rehome large birds from the Cook Park Aviary.
As part of a report into the future of the aviary an independent animal welfare assessment found it was better suited to smaller bird species and recommended that the larger birds be rehomed.
The birds have reached an age and stage of life where retirement from public display and placement in a suitable, quieter home environment may provide an improved long-term welfare outcome.
Council's overriding consideration in assessing EOIs will be the ongoing health, welfare, security and quality of life of the birds.
Birds available for rehoming include:
- Two white cockatoos currently housed in the northern section of the Cook Park aviary. Both birds spend most of their time on the ground or climbing the wire sides of the cage as they are flightless. As they have lived together for many years, preference will be given to rehoming them together.
- One white Cockatoo and one Long-billed Corella currently housed in the centre aviary at Cook Park. As they have lived together for many years, preference would be given to rehoming them together.
- One Galah currently housed in the middle section of the Cook Park Aviary.
As the birds are elderly, prospective adopters must recognise that their future care may involve age-related health conditions, reduced mobility, changes in behaviour and potentially increased veterinary requirements.
Successful EOIs will demonstrate:
- Experience and capability
- Appropriate Housing and aviary facilities
- Social and behavioural welfare
- Nutrition and daily husbandry
- Veterinary care
- Licences and legal requirements
To be considered for rehoming applicants must respond to all 17 categories listed under the heading "Information to be provided in the EOI" which can be found in the EOI document.
The EOI documentation can be found at On Exhibition for Public Comment and Expressions of Interest – Orange City Council
The EOI process opens on 9 October and closes on 24 October at 5pm.
