A bird lived in a supermarket for four weeks: it is forbidden to drive it out by force by law (3 photos)

Coles staff in Australia struggled to find a balance between protecting the animal and upholding food safety standards.





A cockatoo named Mickey was trapped in a Coles supermarket in Macarthur Square, Campbelltown, New South Wales, about four weeks ago. Staff tried in vain to catch the intruder, who had flown into the store through the loading dock. However, they were unable to use more aggressive methods due to restrictions in the law.

"Because the bird had access to a lot of food, it was impossible to lure it into the cage with bait. It is also dangerous to use a tranquilizer, as the cockatoo could fall from a height and be injured or even die from the tranquilizer," wildlife conservationists explain.

Another way to catch the bird, according to experts, is to use a special net. However, the ceilings in the establishment are too high for this, and rescuers are not allowed to use such a device under New South Wales legislation.



A Coles spokeswoman recently confirmed that Mickey is no longer in the store.

"The cockatoo, who had taken up residence in Macarthur Square, is no longer a resident of Coles and is exploring other areas of the shopping centre. When the bird arrived at our store a few weeks ago, we worked with external wildlife and bird experts to ensure it was safely and, importantly, humanely released," she said.

A spokeswoman said the cockatoo was cleared by opening a back door. She added that staff were trying to balance protecting the animal with maintaining food safety standards.