Black-Necked Stork on the Move

The Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas has successfully relocated a black-necked stork to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast.

“Jewel” was caught by the wildlife keepers and sent on an important journey in the hope of establishing another breeding pair of Black-necked Storks in Australia.

Wildlife Habitat Manager Clare Anderson said Wildlife Habitat is currently the only wildlife park successful in breeding this species.

"We are very excited to see that our success of breeding these birds will hopefully aid other zoos and wildlife parks to be able to achieve the same success,” she said.

Jewel hatched on in October 2012, two days after her brother Jardine, who will be relocated to Sydney in the coming months.

Ms Anderson said Jewel had been learning the ropes from her mum and dad foraging around the wetlands.

“It has been quite a spectacle since September 2013, with her mum and dad Jabbie and James, Jewel and Jardine and their 2 younger siblings, all have on display in the wetlands," she said.

“A lot of planning went into the transport of an animal of this size, ensuring her health and wellbeing was considered at all times.”

“Temperatures, stress levels, custom built boxes and plane requirements all had to be taken into consideration for the transportation of Jewel,” she said.

Staff members were pleased to hear of her safe arrival at Currumbin where she has since met a potential male suitor.

The 5 storks remaining at Wildlife Habitat can still be viewed by the public in the Wetlands.

Situated in Port Douglas, Wildlife Habitat is Australia's leading wildlife experience, providing visitors with a chance to observe up close a huge range of flora and fauna, including the Black-Necked Stork.