Emma Pritchard

More than 350 rainbow lorikeets in the Clarence Valley have been released back into the wild since March 7 following their recovery from Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome (LPS).

The debilitating condition, which causes lethargy and an inability to swallow, blink, fly, or walk properly, commonly occurs between October and June, and is estimated to have affected thousands of the colourful native parrots throughout Northern NSW within the past few months.

Clarence Valley Avian Coordinator for WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service) Robyn Gray said some of the birds had been in care for several weeks, adding it was a wonderful sight to see them fly free once again.

Describing the recent outbreak of LPS as the worst the region has experienced, Ms Gray said the combined efforts of community members and WIRES volunteers helped save more than 500 rainbow lorikeets.

“Everybody did their bit,” she said appreciatively.

“People were going out, picking up birds and bringing them into care, and it was a great team effort by WIRES volunteers as well because we hadn’t been through a crisis like it where we had to put our hands up and call for emergency responders from Sydney to come and assist.

“We all went through trauma with the birds (during the outbreak), but to see how most of them have recovered and returned to the wild, that’s been really wonderful.”

With no new cases of LPS reported within the past fortnight, Ms Gray confirmed the devastating seasonal condition seems to be coming to an end, and while the cause is yet to be determined, ongoing investigations are leading researchers to believe a bacteria or fungus which affects a popular food source favoured by the parrots may be responsible.

While its unknown how many rainbow lorikeets died from LPS this year, Ms Gray said it’s likely to be in excess of 2000.

“We lost more than we saved,” she revealed.

“It’s been a devastating time.”

Sadly, many birds which were brought into care had to be euthanised due to the severity of their LPS symptoms.

A number of rainbow lorikeets which remain in care are expected to be released back into the wild within the coming weeks once they have regained the additional strength and stamina necessary for survival.