The reserve said that being a geriatric bird, “Rod had age-related health issues”.
He was placed under the Senior Animal Care Programme from 2018 which included more frequent health checks, a customised diet and feeding, and modified environment to ensure he continued to have a good quality of life.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve said that after Rod’s last assessment by his carers and vets, it was found that his age-related complications had advanced and were “severely affecting his quality of life”.
“On welfare grounds, the difficult decision was therefore made to humanely euthanise him.”
Rod left a mark on everyone that has crossed his path over the five decades, but no one more than Clarence Saw, who has known Rod since 1988 when he first joined Jurong Bird Park.
“Rod was a special bird. He was the bird I got to work with the longest, and he was instrumental in honing my bird handling skills in the early years of my career,” said Mr Saw.
“Rod showed me how truly intelligent and full of personality birds can be. The bird park will not be the same without him and he will be sorely missed.”