Rescue of the week: Thorpe dived into backyard swimming pool
Thorpe the laughing kookaburra is lucky to be alive and flying free once more after taking a dive in a Rockhampton backyard swimming pool recently.
Thanks to quick thinking by the home's resident and her neighbours, Thorpe was scooped out of the pool and gently hosed off to remove the chlorine, which is toxic for birds. He had swallowed a lot of water but unlike the many birds that drown in backyard pools, he was saved just in time.
In the care of Wildlife Rockhampton, Thorpe showed regular improvement and was last week returned home. His family are regulars in the area and have been making nesting preparations so no doubt they're grateful to have him back to assist. Kookaburras live in family units and the young adults help their parents look after new babies.
Moral of the story: when your pool is not in use please cover it securely to prevent wildlife from becoming trapped and drowning. It has the added benefit of saving water by reducing evaporation.
Wildlife Rescue Hotline 0429 GO WILD (24 hours)
www.wildliferockhampton.org.au
