An Orange-bellied Parrot in the wild, Werribee 2011, image copyright Debbie Lustig wrap="1
The Orange-bellied Parrot is not only beautiful; it's also critically endangered. With fewer than 50 left in the wild, this budgie-sized bird – bright-green with sapphire wings, yellow chest and orange belly – may well go extinct in the wild within three years.
Fortunately, you can see them quite easily at
Healesville Sanctuary, an hours' drive from Melbourne. The wildlife park houses plenty of Orange-bellied Parrots in a public aviary, as well as 80 birds in a captive breeding program.
They're located opposite the kangaroo enclosure, near the bistro. As you approach their aviary, housing several other species, it's hard to miss the huge colour photo of the parrot.
In this walk-in aviary, you'll find up to a dozen, older birds which have finished breeding. They're living out their days feeding, loafing on branches, preening themselves and taking off in characteristic super-fast flight, giving their famous, buzzing, alarm call. I've even seen them mate, although they're no longer fertile.
Orange-bellied Parrots are one of only two migratory parrots in Australia – and the world. Breeding in remote southwest Tasmania, they make their way more than 700 km to coastal locations in Victoria and SA every winter. Released captive-bred birds have been recorded making the long flight across Bass Strait.
Once common at the turn of the century, the Orange-bellied Parrot's decline is largely due to habitat loss. In 1985, such was the reduction in numbers, a scientific team formed to coordinate conservation efforts, including the captive breeding program now in place. Today's captive flock numbers 180, with eighty housed at Healesville.
Birds in the captive-breeding program are so prized, they're off-limits to the public. One day, it's hoped large numbers will be released into the wild.
Meanwhile, at the public aviary, you can look and listen all you like. There's something heart-stopping about being within touching distance of a bird so rare – and so gorgeous. These parrots will never know how vulnerable their species is.
If you visit, do the birds a favour and tell your friends. Orange-bellied Parrots need all the public awareness they can get. If you're really motivated, you can donate to Zoos Victoria's
'Adopt an animal' program. You'll receive Orange-bellied Parrot information and updates.
While you're there, another threatened Tasmanian, the
Tasmanian Devil has a breeding program and a public enclosure. Worth checking out. And for the bird-lovers, don't miss the Spirits of the Sky birds of prey show at 12 pm and 2.30 pm daily.
Food and drinks are available at several outlets.
Healesville Sanctuary is just past Healesville, on the Maroondah Highway via Lilydale. Turn right at Badger Creek Road just past the township.
Public transport is available from Southern Cross Station or Lilydale Station.
An Orange-bellied Parrot in aviary, Healesville, image copyright Debbie Lustig
Admission: Adults $25.40, Children 4-15 $12.60, Concession $19.60, Senior $22.90, Families: $58-$79.90. Kids under 16 admitted free on weekends, school holidays and Victorian public holidays.
