Hesperia’s volunteering day at Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre

An iconic wildlife figure, the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo is justifiably one of Australia’s most charismatic birds. Unfortunately, over the last decade there has been an estimated 35 per cent decline in population numbers across Western Australia.

Hesperia recently volunteered at the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre in Martin. The team spent the day planting 400 Tubestock shrubs and weeding a significant section of land as part of the rehabilitation mission. After the hard work, the team was rewarded with a tour led by Education Officer Sam Clarke, and had the opportunity to meet the Centre’s dingoes, emus and cockatoos.

The Hesperia team was encouraged to bring their children on the day to meet the cockatoos. Senior Development Manager Jordan and his daughter Layla thoroughly enjoyed the experience and loved seeing the wildlife up close.

“Giving back in this way was an inspiring experience. It’s even more fulfilling when you can witness the wildlife living peacefully in a safe and nurturing place, and share that with your children,” said Jordan.

“Thank you to Kaarakin for promoting and implementing solutions to protect our black cockatoos.”

Hesperia’s relationship with Kaarakin stems from a commitment to preserve Western Australian land through rehabilitation, conservation, native planting and the protection of native species.

The Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre is the only black cockatoo sanctuary of its kind in Australia and the world. They are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured black cockatoos and releasing them back into the wild when possible. The Centre is also involved in recovery activities including community engagement programs and education, prioritisation of nesting sites for recovery actions and encouraging those in surrounding communities to participate in conservation.

Managing Director Ben Lisle is a passionate supporter of the iconic black cockatoo and highlights Hesperia’s responsibility in protecting the environment and conserving Australian endangered and threatened species.

“Through our projects, we have a duty to safeguard the environment, and must constantly strive to leave it in a better state than when we found it. This includes enhancing the safety of black cockatoos,” Ben said.

As a non-for-profit organisation, the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre relies on volunteers and donations to carry out rescue and rehabilitation work. We encourage you to participate in Kaarakin’s volunteer program if you have the opportunity. Alternatively, you can donate via their website here.

Hesperia will continue to support Karrakin and other organisations to help protect black cockatoos, including innovative studies being conducted by Murdoch University and the WA Museum to learn more about the cockatoos’ travels on the Swan Coastal Plain.