Bluey’s big adventure: Bendigo CFA rescues pet lorikeet from tree

The two-year-old pet had escaped her owners’ caravan overnight and, after being attacked by a magpie, sought refuge in a nearby gum tree.

Owner Terry Johnstone said he and wife Joanelle had spent hours trying to coax Bluey down from one tree in the dark, but had no success.

“We got up at half-past-five this morning and tried again,” he said, but still no luck – Bluey was staying put, 30 feet up the tree.

Hiring a cherry-picker was the next plan, but the team at the holiday park suggested getting in touch with the Bendigo CFA first.

“They happily came out and have done a great job of getting the bird down,” Mr Johnstone said.

Five firefighters came to the rescue, and with the Bendigo station’s Bronto ladder platform, they were able to get Bluey out of the tree.

“They harnessed me up and I went up with the cage,” Mr Johnstone said, adding Bluey jumped right into her travelling cage when they were high enough.

“The fire brigade have done a great job. 

“We're glad to have her back because we wouldn't want anything to happen to her - we’re very fond of her.”

Bluey, who was raised by the couple, is a regular travelling companion as the nectar-eating bird requires a special diet.

“If we go away she’s got to come with us. She loves the car.”

The Port Adelaide couple are making their way to Shepparton to visit family, staying a few nights in Bendigo.

Bendigo leading firefighter Peter Mountford said they were happy to help.

“We’re there to help wherever we can,” he said. “If we can help we will.”

The firefighter said it was the fourth bird he’s had to help out of a tree in his fourteen years at Bendigo, also being part of the team to rescue Charlie the macaw in East Bendigo.

“We’re not in it for publicity - it’s more about helping the community and normally it’s in harsher circumstances than this.”

The Johnstones also thanked the helpful and friendly holiday park staff.

“They couldn’t help enough when Bluey was up in the tree.”