Being shot four times — and surviving — might sound like something out of a James Bond film, but this lucky cockatoo will live to fly another day.
The sulphur-crested cockatoo, that has been named Mr Cocky, was found in a Sydney backyard last month and taken to the Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital in Camden.
Vet Lorenzo Crosta said he was shocked after he x-rayed the ailing bird.
Two pellets from bullets were found in the cockatoo's chest, while others were embedded in its shoulder and near its left eye.
Dr Crosta removed some of them but left the bullet in the bird's shoulder in place for now as it is "only partially limiting" movement.
The bird is being cared for and having physiotherapy in a bid to allow it to fly again.
"I mean, he's like winning the national lottery, this one," Dr Crosta said.
"He's definitely very lucky being alive."
Its recovery is expected to take a number of months.
Dr John Martin from the Taronga Conservation Society said: "It is rare to encounter a bird with such injuries.
"Cockatoos are much loved."
They are also "tough as nails" and "recover remarkably quickly" if injured.
Harming wildlife is prohibited by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act.
An individual could face a fine of up to $88,000 for harming an animal like the sulphur-crested cockatoo.
"I don't see what the fun is," Dr Costa said.
"I don't understand, how can you even think about shooting an animal that is just sitting there? I think it's very unfair."
