Our iconic free-flight show has a new star, Luna, our stunning Eclectus Parrot.
Last month, Luna joined the show with veteran star Manu, the Blue and Gold Macaw.
The three-year-old parrot is one of the very few of her species appearing in free flight shows around the world.
Flying from her home behind the central lawns, Luna will take centre-stage at the end of each free-flight show to accept donations from zoo visitors to raise money for Zoos SA’s important conservation projects within the zoo and beyond.
Dedicated keepers have been working hard to prepare Luna for her show debut since October last year. Keeper Christine Letcher said Luna had been the perfect pupil during their daily training sessions.
“The first step was to build a strong relationship with her so she felt completely comfortable with us,” Christine said.
“We started the coin training by introducing her to a metal washer and a small tin, and with lots of repetition and rewards every day she picked this up really quickly.
“Once she was used to the noise of the metal dropping, we moved on to the coin and she ran with it!
“She really looks forward to her training and show time, it’s lots of fun for her and of course enjoys the extra treats!
“It’s really good to see her interacting with the crowds. I love to see her with some of the kids – if she can tell they are a bit nervous she leans in to help them and is so gentle.”
Luna began preparing for the free-flight show by first accepting donations in our daily Wildshow and has so far raised more than $400 in coins.
“As a conservation charity, we’re always looking for creative ways to raise money to help with our work saving species from extinction,” Christine said.
“Visitors absolutely love the opportunity to be able to get so close to Luna and interact with her, and she loves making new friends!
“Manu has been impressing crowds during our free-flight show for more than 14 years so it’s great he will now have a new co-star.
“It’s great that people can come along and help Luna save species from extinction.”
Eclectus Parrots are native to the tropical rainforests of north Queensland, the Solomon Islands and New Guinea.
Male and female Eclectus Parrots are so different in appearance they are often mistaken for two different species. Females are bright red with a broad blue band across their breast, while males are bright green with red underneath their wings and an orange beak.
