By: Markus Deiner
As a rescue center Tasikoki is constantly dealing with traumatized animals.
Although we don’t know their exact history, we see every animal in our care as an individual and try to help them individually on their way to recovery.
Today we would like to introduce you to “Princess” and “Putih”, two confiscated Umbrella Cockatoos who stole our hearts for being the most gentle creatures despite the severe mental trauma they suffer from.
Princess enjoys human attention and a cookie
“Princess”
Princess was confiscated by Indonesian authorities and handed over to Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre in late September 2020.
She must have been kept as a pet for many years as she talks and craves for human attention. Sadly, she still refuses to even try to use her wings. This is often seen in birds kept on a foot chain that makes every attempt to fly a painful experience.
Her body condition was alarming, so special care was needed but worst of all she seemed to have lost her will to live. But what a fighter she is! How she enjoys being treated like a princess! And how rewarding it is to see her self-esteem grow and to watch her becoming a strong and happy bird!
Princess
Markus as every morning greetig Princess
“Good morning Princess. Enjoy your cookie.”
“Putih”
Came to us only two months ago. Putih is the Indonesian word for “white”.
Like “Princess” he was obviously kept as a pet as he barks like a small dog and coughs like an old man. During his six weeks of quarantine at Tasikoki, “Putih” showed aggressive behaviour and was constantly screaming out of sheer frustration, so we counted the days until we finally could free him from isolation.
Eventually, on December 26th we got the green light from the vets and could move him to the bird aviaries.
What we saw the next days was a complete transformation from a defensive and aggressive bird to a friendly and playful sunshine.
It will take a long time until “Princess” and “Putih” can be released to the wild, if ever at all. We are happy to have them here for as long as it takes and in the meantime we will work to prepare the Salimburung Island as a bird sanctuary.
Putih enjoying his daily cookie, A delicious treat for him. He deserves it!.
Palm Cockatoos – the Gentle Giants
Another outstanding parrot species in our care is the Black Palm Cockatoo. They are the kings at Tasikoki. (The Indonesian name is Kakatua Raja – King Cockatoo)
These majestic birds are not only one of the largest parrots on Earth, but also one of the smartest. Well documented is their ability to use handmade tools to create sounds by beating these against hollow tree trunks. These “drumsticks” can be wood pieces trimmed to appropriate length. This drumming is a part of males’ complex courtship behaviour but may also be used as an indicator of the durability of a potential nesting hollow by the resonance of drumming. This unique behaviour is beautifully documented in a BBC News video published only a couple of days ago (https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-55541188 ).
What makes them so adorable to us at Tasikoki is their sweet and gentle temperament. We do everything to see their cheeks bright-red, as the colour of this part of the skin is an indicator for their well-being. Sick or stressed Palm Cockatoos show pale-red or even whitish cheeks. In order to “keep them red”, we make sure to always provide them with their favourite food – the large seeds of the sea almond tree (Terminalia Catappa).
So “stay red”, guys! We love you.
Now here comes the sad part of the story… Being such charismatic birds, both Umbrella Cockatoo and Palm Cockatoo are in the focus of the illegal wildlife trade. Hundreds of them are being trapped each year and smuggled abroad or illegally sold as pets in Indonesia. More and more of these birds are being confiscated by the authorities and sent to Tasikoki. Thanks to you, dear Friends and Supporters of the Masarang Foundation and its wildlife rescue centre, Tasikoki, we can give many of these wonderful creatures hope and a safe haven. We are pleased that over the last years more than one hundred birds have been returned to their home ranges after rehabilitation at Tasikoki.
Your support enables us to achieve successes like this. We cannot thank you enough for all the help and support you offer and do hope that you continue to help us to help them.
Thank you very much!
Photos below showing palm cockatoos at Tasikoki enjoying their favourite food: sea almonds
Leave a Reply