Jimmy, along with another sulphur-crested cockatoo named Cocky, will be moved to a sanctuary being developed by Dr. Christina Abramowicz, a veterinarian who recently had disagreements with the Department of Conservation and the Dunedin City Council regarding a captive kākā.
According to a Waitaki District Council letter provided to Allied Media, three new placements were identified for Oamaru’s birds after reviewing 65 submissions prompted by a strong community response.
The council plans to demolish the old aviaries after an independent report determined that the aging structures were inadequate and detrimental to the birds’ welfare.
Jimmy, along with two parrots, five cockatiels, and 12 doves, will be relocated to the new sanctuary near Rangiora, North Canterbury, established by Dr. Abramowicz.
The council’s letter, dated May 25, described this as a “wonderful outcome” for all the birds, especially Jimmy.
Dr. Abramowicz, noted for her extensive expertise in bird behavior and training, is expected to have the aviaries ready within a few weeks.
Both Jimmy and Cocky will be housed in a large outdoor aviary featuring daily enrichment, training, and foraging activities tailored to their needs.
Dr. Abramowicz explained that parrots have a long lifespan and require significant commitment, motivating her to open the sanctuary.
“Having met Jimmy and the parakeets at the Oamaru Gardens recently, I can see why the public loves them so much,” she said.
Previously, Dr. Abramowicz advocated for the return of a kākā named “Charlie Girl” to the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, where it had lived for 24 years.
Due to her efforts, the Dunedin City Council stated it could not accommodate the bird at its aviary, which was part of DOC’s captive breed-for-release program.
In September 2024, the council noted that aviary staff had been affected by Dr. Abramowicz’s “continual presence,” and DOC decided to cease engaging with her following her concerns about Charlie Girl’s stress-related behaviors.
Other birds from Oamaru’s aviaries, such as pigeons, doves, and pheasants, will be moved to Scott Tiffen, who already manages a similar bird collection and has suitable aviaries ready.
The chickens and rooster are set to be relocated to a family farm run by Shaianne Andrews, which features multiple coops and a fenced half-acre range where the birds can roam freely.
School pupils visiting this farm will have the opportunity to interact with the animals, providing the birds with a meaningful role in the community.
Project manager Michael Harrison stated in the council letter that all submissions were evaluated based on criteria focusing on Jimmy’s long-term welfare and reducing placement risk, including criteria like cockatoo experience, facility quality, welfare ethics, long-term planning, and the ability to meet Jimmy’s needs while maintaining the current bird groupings as much as possible.
Harrison emphasized that the goal was to keep as many birds together as possible during the relocation process.
The North Otago Bird Fanciers Club and the Oamaru Poultry, Pigeon, and Cage Bird Club received thanks from Harrison for their assistance in finding new homes for the birds.
The council previously stated that no demolition would occur until all birds had been rehomed.
The demolition and removal of the aviaries are scheduled to be carried out in 2026-27, as discussed in a meeting prior to the adoption of the annual plan.
Independent report raised ‘serious concern’
An independent report from a site visit in December of the previous year highlighted serious concerns regarding the pest-proofing of food storage areas and the lack of professional animal care qualifications among aviary staff.
The report made several recommendations, including demolishing and replacing or redesigning the aviaries, increasing staff presence for bird care, and hiring dedicated staff.
Jimmy was observed displaying potential stereotypic behavior, characterized by repetitive and predictable actions with no obvious goal or function, suggesting poor welfare, which is rare in wild birds.
