A couple of weeks ago cruise workers were shocked to discover that they had a secret stowaway on board. Sea Princess departed from Brisbane across the Tasman Sea cruising to the  Fjord lands of New Zealand when they discovered a Rose Breasted Galah bird on board. These birds are only native to Australia and are very distinctive with their pink and grey plumage and are known for their bold and loud behavior. The bird was discovered 5 days after going missing from the family home of Michelle and Brett Cozzi, who along with their daughter, were distraught that they much loved pet was missing. The discovery of the bird sparked security fears as Australia and Zealand have very strict rules about foreign species including avian diseases from non-native birds.  The Ministry for Primary Industries said the only way the ship could dock in the country would be for the bird to be put down  or secured and bonded to the ship.

Luckiliy Harri, as the bird was known, escaped his life being put to an end as he had been microchipped and  documented that he was free from any disease. The safety officer onboard stuck to the guidelines and made sure that the bird was secure on the ship and had no way of escaping. Harri continued the 14 night cruise in quarantine in a private cabin next to the Captain! Coincidentally the family had made an appeal for the safe return of the bird through social media before they themselves embarked on a cruise thinking they may never see their beloved pet again who had been a part of the family for 9 years.

On their return they were delighted that Harri had been found safe and sound and after undergoing veterinary checks and clearance from the departure of agriculture he was reunited with his family at the port in Brisbane. Looks like Harri had the trip of a lifetime as I’m sure there’s not any other birds can say they had a 14 night luxury cruise for free!