15 August 2002

Auckland Zoo’s blue and gold macaw takes flight

One of two blue and gold macaws being trained for a special macaw free-flight display due to begin at Auckland Zoo in December, has taken flight.

This South American parrot, blue and gold in colour and about one metre in length, was last seen flying over the Chamberlain Park Golf Course/Unitech boundary area around 10am this morning. This bird is capable of covering large distances within a very short time.

A South American rainforest bird, it does tend to perch very high up. Its call is very distinctive (an extremely loud squawk) and unlike any other birds found in Auckland. It has a leg ring for identification, as well as a micro-chip.

“We have been warned to expect fly-offs like this to occur on the odd occasion in the initial training stages,” says Auckland Zoo’s Life Sciences Manager Glen Holland.

“The bird has a very strong bond with several of our keepers, so we are confident that we should be able to call it down, once it’s located.”

It is most likely to be spotted high up in a tree. Members of the public should not try and capture it, as this could potentially frighten and confuse the bird, and make it more difficult for Auckland Zoo staff to retrieve it.

Please just contact the Zoo immediately if you do sight this macaw.
Phone (09) 360 3800 or 025 608 1592

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Jane Healy, communications & promotions co-ordinator, Auckland Zoo
Phone (09) 360 3800 or 021 120 2472

Ref:jh

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