Tropicbird Gets a Second Chance on Lady Elliot Island

From rescue to release: A juvenile Red-tailed Tropicbird named Coconut was flown from the Gold Coast to Lady Elliot Island aboard a charter flight, after being found far away from its natural habitat. Just in time for World Environment Day! Thanks to the coordinated effort by the teams at Lady Elliot Island and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

What Happened to Coconut the Tropicbird

Coconut was found stranded at Mt Walker, Southwest of Ipswich. It’s likely that he was blown far off course from his natural habitat by strong winds. Since the end of April, our dedicated team has provided weeks of care to help him regain strength.

But did you know, it’s not usual to see Red-tailed Tropicbirds around the Gold Coast?

“We don’t often see Red-tailed Tropicbirds this far south,” said Dr Michael Pyne, Senior Vet at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. “Coconut was lucky to be found and brought in and has received lots of care with us. We’re incredibly grateful to the Lady Elliot Island team for arranging his flight home.”

Reuniting Coconut the Tropicbird With the Wild

While not much is known about this particular bird’s origin, a colony of Red-tailed Tropicbirds is known to inhabit Lady Elliot Island. One of our dedicated Vet Nurses accompanied Coconut on the flight, along with Peter Gash OAM and Amy Gash, Custodians of Lady Elliot Island. The Leaf to Reef team, a collection of conservationists, researchers and scientists, on the Island will continue to monitor Coconut and ensure he adjusts well to life in the wild.

Here is a snapshot of Coconut making it safely to the Island and getting transported to the location for release.

Who is the Leaf to Reef Team

The Leaf to Reef team conducts periodic research on Lady Elliot Island to provide insights into some of the ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef. The team of researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast, the University of Queensland and Southern Cross University aim to safeguard the Island’s land and marine environment.

Happy Ending for Coconut the Tropicbird

We’re so happy Coconut was found and can once again enjoy the wild. This successful relocation highlights the importance of collaboration between wildlife carers and conservation teams across Queensland.

Did you know? Our service of rescuing, caring for and releasing wildlife is completely free of charge. If you would like to support our amazing team, you can! There are many ways you can help – from volunteering to making a donation and throwing a fundraising event.