In an encouraging update from the New South Wales environment minister, Penny Sharpe, it appears that Mickey, a sulphur-crested cockatoo who had been living inside a Sydney supermarket for the past four weeks, has been safely captured by wildlife services and could soon be flying free.

Speaking on Tuesday evening, Sharpe expressed her hopes, stating, “Mickey is being assessed by experts. We hope Mickey will be flying free by tomorrow.” She extended her gratitude to all those who contributed to his rescue. Earlier in the day, she reassured the public that the bird was “not going to be shot,” amidst circulating rumors of a “kill order.”

Mickey had made his home in the Coles supermarket in Campbelltown for nearly a month, surviving primarily on food left by the store’s night manager. Wildlife experts were initially challenged to coax him out but remained determined. On the day of the rescue, Ravi Wasan, the director of Feathered Friends bird rescue, brought in another cockatoo named Old Lady Doris in hopes that her presence would comfort Mickey. Wasan noted that Mickey had initially flown down but became frightened and retreated.

“He’s really scared because there have been so many attempts – people trying to catch him,” Wasan shared. “He just needs to chill out and relax, and come down without thinking that people are going to try and catch him.”

Despite the challenges, Wasan mentioned that Mickey appeared to be in good physical condition and was well-fed, thanks to the supermarket. He added that Mickey needed to realize that the patrons in the store were not threats.

Campbelltown MP Greg Warren commended the diligence of everyone involved in the rescue effort and remarked, “I am looking forward to seeing Mickey back in the wild where he belongs.”

Despite some failed attempts to lure Mickey out, the rescue team remained hopeful. “The poor bird hasn’t had any dark for over four weeks and has been living on brioche and water,” the Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services shared on social media.

NSW Premier Chris Minns chimed in, emphasizing the state’s dedication to wildlife, stating, “We don’t want to shoot wildlife in our state.” He humorously added, “Mickey is everyone in Sydney’s spirit animal at the moment, eating free food.”

As the team works to ensure Mickey’s safe return to the wild, the community remains hopeful for a joyous reunion with nature.