WERRIBEE, VIC. — A baby tawny frogmouth has been safely reunited with its family thanks to the teamwork of CFA volunteers, Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters and Zoos Victoria.
On Wednesday, October 15, Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade received a call from a veterinarian at Werribee Zoo who had been caring for a young tawny frogmouth bird that was brought in the previous day after being found near the fire station.
Hoping to give it the best chance of survival, Zoo staff reached out to CFA for help locating its parents.
Hoppers Crossing CFA volunteers searched the area, with one of the brigade’s newest recruits, Forad, spotting the nest high in a nearby tree.
Jodi from Zoos Victoria brought the young bird back to the site and worked closely with CFA to plan the safest way to reunite it with its family.
Due to the height of the tree, the team determined that a ladder platform would be required to safely reunite the bird. CFA reached out to Fire Rescue, and Ladder Platform 47 was dispatched from Footscray to support.
With the assistance of Leading Firefighters Ryan and Dwayne, the ladder platform was set up in the rear of Hoppers Crossing Fire Station, and Jodi was safely lifted to the nest where the baby tawny frogmouth was successfully reunited with its mother and two siblings.
This is another great example of the teamwork between fire agencies, and we’re proud to have been part of giving this little one the best possible chance to thrive in its natural environment.
Reuniting young birds with their parents gives them the best opportunity to develop natural behaviours such as hunting and social interaction. If you ever find a baby bird on its own, remember to look around, as its parents are usually nearby.
Fittingly, the tawny frogmouth was recently named Australia’s Bird of the Year for 2025, making this rescue story an even more special moment for everyone involved.
