RIP Chook the mimicking lyrebird

Adelaide's zoo's renowned lyrebird, which had an uncanny ability to mimic the sounds of construction work, has died aged 32.



Chook, thought to be one of the oldest lyrebirds in captivity, could mimic the sounds of drills, hammers and saws and other machinery. He had spent the past 20 years at the zoo after being hand raised at the Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria.

He was also known for his impressions of other birds including magpies and kookaburras. Keeper Brett Backhouse said that because Chook had been hand raised, he was more comfortable around humans.


YouTube link.

His antics made him a worldwide hit after videos of his calls were posted on YouTube. Zoo officials believe Chook died of old age.