Jeanen Lindsey
Rockey the galah rose-breasted cockatoo just wants to be left alone after a four-day abduction.
Rockey the galah rose-breasted cockatoo, right, is home with Jeanen Lindsey and friends after being birdknapped for four days
Owner Jeanen Lindsey launched a search for the four-year-old cockatoo last Thursday following a report of her being bird knapped while visiting school athletics at the recreation reserve off Vogel Street, Cambridge.
“A man grabbed her,” Lindsey said.
A man matching his description was later seen at the town pet shop enquiring about caring for a rose-breasted cockatoo.
Bird and owner were reunited on Sunday, when Rockey was found near Taylor Street.
“I am so grateful that the person has done the right thing,” Lindsey said.
“Rockey was so happy to see me. I would hate to think what she went through.”
The News reported in 2023 that Lindsey specialises in training ‘free-flyers’ – birds like Rockey who capable of living freely in populated areas with their human ‘forever home’ companions.
It’s not the first time Rockey has been bird knapped. She has been returned from as far afield as Matangi and Te Awamutu.
“If people want to spend some time with her my door is always open,” said Hamilton Road based Lindsey.
“I love to educate people about free flight.”
“She flies to the rest home all the time… she’s even been on Zoom meetings with office staff. But she comes home for lunch.”
Lindsey asked anyone who saw Rockey about town to leave her be.
Native to Australia, galah rose-breasted cockatoos can live for 70 years in captivity. They have been introduced to New Zealand and can be found in South Auckland. There is a breeding population on Ponui Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
See: A Rockey Ella parrot show
Jeanen Lindsey talking about finding the right home for her rescued birds with Rockey, Charlie and Ben. Photo: Benji Allen.
