Meet Mimmie
Mimmie is a magpie, a wild bird known for its striking black and white plumage and melodious calls. Magpies are intelligent and social creatures that are often found in gardens, parks, and bushlands across Australia. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem, controlling insect populations and contributing to seed dispersal.
As Christmas approached, Mimmie, who was under the care of a well-meaning member of the public (MOP), faced an uncertain future. The family caring for her was going away, and their solution was to drive into the bush and release her, believing she would be fine. Unfortunately, this was far from the truth.
Releasing a hand reared magpie into the wild is fraught with danger. Mimmie, unfamiliar with the new territory and the resident magpies, found herself dazed, lost, and confused. She faced the aggression of the resident magpies, who saw her as an intruder. A kind soul noticed Mimmie's plight, scooped her up, and took her to the local vet.
A wildlife carer then picked her up and transferred her to my care. I have a large aviary that allowed Mimmie to gain strength and regrow her flight feathers. Mimmie's condition was worsened by the inappropriate food she had been fed by the MOP, resulting in the loss of feathers and a very thin bird. Her future remained uncertain, but I loved having her around. Despite being capable of eating and foraging on her own, she created special memories by squawking for me to feed her. That was fun as I tried to avoid the beak, which I later found out didn’t hurt at all.
As Mimmie grew stronger and her feathers grew back, I faced a dilemma. I couldn't release her in my area because I already had a resident flock of magpies, and chances were they would kill her. Instead, Mimmie was relocated to Karlup Animal Sanctuary, where she bonded with two other magpies, forming their own mini flock. Karlup had no permanent flock due to a terrible fire that occurred some years ago, making it a safer place for Mimmie and her new friends.
When the time is right, all three birds will be released into the wild together, in the correct manner. Mimmie's story is a poignant reminder that wild birds belong in the wild, but their release must be done with care and consideration. Wild birds need a safe environment and the support of a community to thrive, something that hasty and ill-considered releases cannot provide.
“Inspiring hope and healing for Australia’s wildlife, one rescue at a time.”
This was Mimmie’s home (enclosure) while she was rehabilitated at Amaris
