Discover the elusive Night Parrot at WA Museum Boola Bardip! Join us for an exclusive viewing of this rare Australian bird in the Wild Life Gallery, followed by a panel discussion with experts Penny Olsen, Allan Burbidge and Rob Davis.

The Night Parrot, known for its nocturnal habits and camouflaging plumage in arid landscapes, holds a special place in the avian world. Found in specific and remote areas of Western Australia, its rarity has made it a symbol of ecological significance, sparking excitement among researchers and birdwatchers. Despite controversies surrounding its status, from declared extinction to a contentious 2013 rediscovery, the Night Parrot remains a focus of conservation efforts.

Delve into the mysteries of this elusive bird during a private viewing at 5pm, followed by an insightful panel talk starting at 6pm. Led by Dr. Kenny Travouillon, Acting Curator of Ornithology at the Western Australian Museum, the discussion will explore the Night Parrot's rarity, its rediscovery in Western Australia, and the ongoing scientific discoveries surrounding it. 

If you've caught wind of the buzz on the news, now's your chance to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Night Parrot personally!

Panellists

Dr Penny Olsen
An ornithologist and prolific natural history author, renowned for her 30+ books, including Night Parrot: Australia’s Most Elusive Bird (2018), delving into the checkered history of the parrot quest.

Dr Allan Burbidge
A dedicated wildlife ecologist, devoting over 30 years to managing and recovering threatened bird species, particularly parrots.

Dr Rob Davis
A wildlife ecologist at Edith Cowan University with over 25 years of expertise in environmental consulting and academia.

Facilitator

Dr Kenny Travouillon
A marsupial expert, he serves as the Acting Curator of Ornithology at the Western Australian Museum, bringing extensive knowledge of both living and fossil marsupials

Access information

The venue is fully accessible. Please contact reception@museum.wa.gov.au or call 1300 134 081 a minimum of five working days prior to the event if you are attending and would like the organisers to arrange Auslan interpretation.

More information is available on access to and within the Museum, plus how to prepare for your visit here.

Meet the Museum

Are you curious about the fascinating world behind the scenes at the Museum? This monthly program delves into the less visible parts of the Museum’s work, as scientists, researchers, historians and curators share their expertise and passions.