The population of this species, native to southwestern Australia, continues to decline due to the loss of eucalyptus forests, competition with feral bees, and illegal hunting.
Loro Parque and Loro Parque Fundación have achieved another global milestone in conservation: the first successful breeding in Europe of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, locally known as the “Karrak”. This species is classified as declining, and its wild populations have been severely reduced due to habitat loss and other threats.
The chick hatched after years of specialised work by the park’s biologists and keepers, who have dedicated exceptional effort to ensure the welfare and reproduction of an extremely delicate species.
“We are very pleased because, after years of attempts, we have succeeded in breeding this rare bird for the first time at Loro Parque. The situation was critical at times, as the chick struggled to break through the eggshell. But with some support from our highly qualified animal keepers, it was able to hatch successfully and is now receiving the best possible care,” explained Marcia Weinzettl, biologist and bird curator at Loro Parque Fundación.
The species, native to the far southwest of Western Australia, depends on mature eucalyptus forests for nesting. However, the loss of these trees, competition from feral bees and illegal hunting have significantly reduced its numbers.
Loro Parque’s zoological director, Mike Jordan, highlighted the importance of this achievement: “The birth of this chick is a decisive step for the conservation of the species. Loro Parque is not only committed to its protection here in the park, but also works in its natural habitat in Western Australia to support the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, which shares the same habitat and depends on the same eucalyptus forests for its survival.”
Scientific director Rafael Zamora emphasised the scientific and strategic value of this breeding success: “This achievement is not only a successful reproduction, but also confirms that our husbandry, environmental enrichment, and monitoring methodologies can meet the needs of even the most demanding species. The Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo is extremely sensitive to change and requires very specific conditions to breed. Having achieved this for the first time in Europe marks a turning point for ex-situ conservation programmes of this species.”
“Our goal is not only to maintain stable populations under human care, but also to generate knowledge applicable to conservation in the wild. Every piece of data we gain, from reproductive behaviour to incubation and chick-rearing, is shared with Australian institutions to strengthen global efforts for population recovery,” Zamora added.
This breeding success once again demonstrates the fundamental importance of well-managed conservation centres. Applied science and long-term commitment can change the fate of species that today are threatened with extinction.
