Wildlife officials have been working to rescue a parrot called Mickey who has been “living on brioche” inside a Sydney supermarket for four weeks.
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharp pledged on Tuesday that she would “not shoot” the bird after false rumors of a “kill order” were spread online.
The minister said he had instructed the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to work with grocery retailer Coles and rescue groups to rescue Mickey.
“The National Park is in contact with wildlife groups and staff at Coles MacArthur Square,” she said. “Mickey will be released.”
Mr Sharp said wildlife conservation organization Wires planned to send another team on Tuesday to rescue the bird and “release it back into the wild where it belongs.”
The bird has been trapped inside a Coles supermarket in Campbelltown for several weeks, according to the Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Service.
On Tuesday morning, another parrot, Old Lady Doris, was brought to the supermarket by Feathered Friends bird rescue director Ravi Wasan, who said Mickey would be comforted by her presence.
The plan seems to be working, but Mickey jumps off at first, but then becomes frightened and retreats out of reach.
“He's really scared because there were a lot of attempts by people to get him,” Wasan said.
“He was very scared, but the other parrot was obviously very affectionate, so he was really relieved. We got very close… and they opened the emergency door, and It scared him.”
Mr Wasan said Mickey was “physically okay” and was not hungry as he had been eating “a lot” at the supermarket.
“He needs to just relax and relax and get off without thinking that people are going to try to get him,” he said.
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“The exit where the parrot exits is also the exit of the patrons, so he needs to understand that the patrons are not scary. It's obvious that he thinks everyone is a potential threat.” It is difficult.”
Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Service officers unsuccessfully tried to coax the bird out on Monday night, describing it as a “nightmare”.
“The poor bird has not experienced darkness for over four weeks and is surviving on nothing but brioche and water.” [placed] By a night caretaker who is very fond of this bird,” the conservation group said on social media.
“There are two traps left, but there's too much food in the store and who knows if it'll work. Hopefully we'll tire him out so much that he won't drink water.” I hope you fall into the trap.”
Sharp's office said rumors of a “kill order” circulating on social media are false. Coles has been contacted for comment.
