Approximately 200 corella carcasses and some pigeons were found after the birds “fell from the sky” outside the Springvale South shopping center over the weekend.
South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter volunteer Michele Phillips described the find as “traumatic” in a Facebook post, noting that only eight birds survived.
“Birds were dead or injured on people’s houses, nearby parks, under cars,” Phillips said.
“This is one reason that people should not feed wild birds, there is plenty natural food around.”
Phillips said the birds had been handed over at Healseville Sanctuary, a zoo outside Melbourne, with autopsies set to be conducted tomorrow.
“It was heartbreaking and very hard to write this as I can still see their faces,” Phillips said.
An RSCPA Victoria spokesperson confirmed it recieved a report about the birds and it is now investigating.
“RSPCA Victoria is investigating a report of an alleged animal cruelty incident involving non-native animal poisoning,” the spokesperson said.
“Reports of animal cruelty involving native wildlife, including birds, will be referred to DEECA under the shared Memorandum of Understanding.”
A similar mass bird death took place in Newcastle earlier this year.
Hundreds of corellas have been discovered dead, seemingly having fallen from the sky in March, leading to an investigation by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
It was later revealed the corella deaths were caused by a common pesticide called fenitrothion.
9News has contacted DECCA for comment.
