Two of Perth Zoo’s Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos have spread their wings and set off to a new home in Singapore. 

Cockatoos “Jett” and “Jinda” travelled internationally to take up residence at Jurong Bird Park, the largest of its kind in Asia. 

The pair are destined to be important ambassador animals, where they will help raise awareness and educate an international audience about our native WA birdlife.  

Perth Zoo native fauna keeper, Jenna Peddie, said: “While it’s always sad to say goodbye to animals in our care, this bonded pair of cockatoos will be in very good hands in their new home.”

The birds undertook a five-hour flight, but thankfully not by wing, rather via a commercial airline carrier. 

“We are pleased to say the journey went very well and Jett and Jinda arrived safely and are now busy settling into their new habitat.

“Getting animals ready to travel can be a big operation, so we worked hard to ensure they would be comfortable in their custom-made travel crate, which was stocked with plenty of snacks.”

“Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos are an incredible species, and it’s wonderful that Jett and Jinda will be able to inspire more people around the world to develop an appreciation for them.”

Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos are found throughout the southwest of WA and are considered near threatened in the wild. 

Perth Zoo treats hundreds of sick and injured wild cockatoos every year, providing life-saving medical treatment. 

The Zoo is also actively involved in scientific research on the health of wild black cockatoos, and programs to understand more about their use of habitat and to increase cockatoo nesting sites.