11-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Mandai Wildlife Group announced on Sunday (Jun 11) that its staff had administered first aid to a girl who was bitten by a cockatoo during a family outing at Bird Paradise. They are currently in contact with the family to offer support.
The incident took place a day prior when Ms. Serene Chen, accompanied by her husband and 13-year-old daughter, visited Bird Paradise. Ms. Chen took to Facebook on Saturday to recount the incident, explaining that her daughter was attacked by a white cockatoo while she was busy photographing something else. The bird unexpectedly flew onto her shoulder and bit her ear.
Ms. Chen shared her disappointment in the fact that the family was not attended to immediately and mentioned that her daughter’s ear started bleeding profusely.
In response to queries from CNA, a spokesperson for the Mandai Wildlife Group stated that their staff provided immediate first aid and cleaned the wound. The girl then left the park to seek further medical attention.
The group assured that their animal care team is currently working on training the parrots to refrain from perching on people. The specific sulphur-crested cockatoo involved in the incident has been relocated to back-of-house aviaries as conditioning efforts continue.
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of adhering to park etiquette, which includes not attempting to touch, feed, or approach the birds, as their beaks and claws can cause unintended injuries.
The Bird Paradise features large walk-through aviaries designed to replicate natural habitats, allowing birds to fly freely and explore the environment, which enhances their welfare.
However, the spokesperson reminded visitors to maintain a safe distance and respect the personal space of the animals. Just like people, animals appreciate having their own safe space.
Additionally, guests were advised to avoid leaving shiny and reflective objects, such as jewelry, keys, and coins, exposed or unattended, as birds are naturally attracted to them.
The Mandai Wildlife Group also mentioned that Bird Paradise has roving service ambassadors who can be called upon in case of any situations, and the hubs between each aviary display contact numbers for guests requiring assistance.
When contacted by CNA, Ms. Chen revealed that the cockatoo had also bitten her finger when she tried to fend it off. She, along with her daughter, sought medical treatment at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where she received a tetanus jab.
Regarding her daughter’s condition, Ms. Chen stated that “a small part of flesh had been bitten off,” but otherwise, she was doing well. The young girl remained calm throughout the incident and experienced minimal pain after the bandage was removed.
Ms. Chen confirmed that Mandai Wildlife Group has been in touch with her family to address the situation.
Bird Paradise, located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, opened to the public on May 8.
