Captain gets a check-up

One of the most loved, oldest (and vocal!) members of the Zoo’s animal whānau, sulphur crested cockatoo Captain, recently had ‘the full monty’ of health check-ups with our vet team.

Under GA (general anaesthetic) at our veterinary hospital, this included a full physical exam, x-rays, blood tests and swabs (for disease screening) as well as a beak trim to correct a malocclusion. Captain’s bottom beak had started to lean to the right resulting in his upper and lower beak not quite fitting together.

No one knows exactly how old Captain is, but he was welcomed to the Zoo in 1990 after a wonderful early life with two dedicated bird lovers and local Westmere residents and their family, and it’s possible he could now be over 60 years old!

Our Animal Experiences curator Lizzy, who has worked closely with Captain for many years, says no training or encouragement was required for Captain to hop into his transport crate for his VIP veterinary appointment. 

“One of Captain’s current favourite treats is a new box to sit in and destroy! So as soon as he saw the crate he made a beeline for it and walked straight in without any encouragement.”

Lizzy says post his big check-up her team monitored him closely in his night aviary, where he rested and snoozed on and off.

“As soon as the anaesthetic wore off, he was back to his usual chatty, cheeky self and settling into his tree on the Australia Bush Track by the following morning. This was Captain’s first GA and we’re really impressed with how well he coped and delighted his check-up has confirmed he’s in such good health for a fella of his suspected age.”

Veterinary resident Dr Hannah, who carried out Captain’s check-up with vet nurse and clinical team leader Mikaylie, says his blood and other tests were all great, but his physical examination did reveal he has a stiff left hip.

“It’s possible Captain may have some arthritis, though we cannot know for sure right now. Arthritis in birds often affects the cartilage more than the bone in the joints, and this doesn’t show up on x-rays, which were normal for Captain. Lizzy and the team will continue to monitor him closely for any possible signs of discomfort, and if/as needed, we can then treat him,” explains Hannah.

For Captain’s malocclusion, a rotary tool in the trained hands of a vet was used to carefully and finely trim his beak so that both the lower and upper parts could once again fit together.

“Bird beaks grow from the base at the face, similar to how our fingernails grow forward from the cuticle. The tips of bird beaks can wear down with use, like chewing on things.” (Captain is renowned for chewing bark as part of his regular ‘renovations’ to his tree trunk!)

“Captain’s beak change has happened gradually and it’s possible the tips may become deviated again, and in the future require further trims. As part of their regular checks, Lizzy and the team will keep be keeping an eye on it,” says Hannah.

While upgrades to other parts of the Australia Bush Track get underway soon ahead of some new Aussie arrivals in December, you can still visit Captain anytime and get along to the daily 11am Strangely Beautiful Australia keeper talk with our wonderful Animal Experiences team.  And if you’re keen to learn more about Captain, including his early life, our centenary book has a fascinating Captain story.