150+ Lorikeets Rescued by Australia Zoo After Storm

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: May 14, 2021 11:20 pm

Terri Irwin helps to release some of the lorikeets which received care at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

Recent storms moving across Queensland have caused an influx of animals to require treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. This has included over 150 lorikeets of various species.

The lorikeets were assessed at the wildlife hospital. Most were able to enter care but unfortunately some had suffered severe head injuries from being struck by hail and had to be euthanized.

A group of lorikeets in treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

The founder of Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, Terri Irwin, said the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is regularly faced with alarmingly high numbers of patient admissions during the aftermath of a storm.

“This kind of weather is devastating for wildlife who are directly impacted by heavy rainfall, hail and strong winds, restricting them from moving or flying at all,” said Terri Irwin.

“It is deeply saddening to see that more than 150 lorikeets had been admitted to the hospital in a span of 24 hours,” she said.

“Such weather can destroy perfectly built wildlife habitats, forcing animals to take shelter elsewhere and making them vulnerable to traumatic injuries that they are unable to recover from.”

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Terri Irwin was able to join the team from the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital as they released the first 23 lorikeets back to the wild. The rest of the group will remain in care while they finish their recovery.

After floods it is pivotal that people be vigilant for injured birds which may have become trapped in the floods or have sustained injuries which may require treatment.

A lorikeet in treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is one of the largest and busiest wildlife hospitals in the world. Each year thousands of animals are given a second chance at life by the hospital. Since 2004 when the hospital opened over 100,000 animals have been treated.

To help animals in the wild the hospital suggest going slow on the road, reporting sightings of harmed animals and contacting wildlife rescue to assist them.