Wild Island

Gary found himself in a bit of a predicament in the wild, losing some of his flight feathers which he relies on to be able to thrive in the wild. We’re giving him the time and care he needs to regrow his feathers and get back to full strength, before planning for his release.

Here are 7 interesting facts about Galahs:

1. Galahs were once rare in Tasmania but have become more common over the past century, likely expanding their range due to land clearing and agriculture.
2. Galahs are highly social birds and are often seen in noisy, playful flocks. They form strong pair bonds and can live for decades, sometimes over 40 years in the wild and even longer in captivity.
3. Like many cockatoos, Galahs are skilled at mimicking sounds and human speech. Some even develop large vocabularies when kept in captivity!
4. Their signature pink and grey plumage isn’t just for show, Galahs are agile fliers and use their strong, rounded wings to cover long distances in search of food.
5. By feeding on seeds and nuts, Galahs play a vital role in the ecosystem, helping to control plant populations and disperse seeds.
6. While they thrive in open woodlands, Galahs have adapted well to urban environments, often seen foraging on sports fields, roadsides, and backyards.
7. Galahs are known for their playful antics. They can be seen hanging upside down from branches, rolling on the ground, or even ‘surfing’ on tree leaves in the wind!

Gary is a cool little character, keeping us thoroughly entertained with his cheeky personality, and very noisy outbursts. He’s certainly living up to his species reputation.

Remember, If you see injured or orphaned wildlife in Tasmania, call Bonorong on 0447 264 625 any time of the day or night.