A GROUP of seven galah cockatoos have found a new home in Somerset’s Tropiquaria Zoo after the birds were seized from smugglers.

Border Force officers contacted Tropiquaria co-owner Chris Moiser as they looked for a home for the Australian birds.

Twenty-four hours later, the large pink and grey colour cockatoos were being taken in by Mr Moiser and his staff.

Mr Moiser said: “They are loud, they are charismatic, they are pink.

“Before joining us the group had quite the unknown journey, which ultimately ended with them being seized by Border Force.

“We have no idea where they have been or what they have come from, but we are glad they have now found their home.

“We are delighted to welcome these fantastic cockatoos to the family.

“We can safely say they are some of the most entertaining, lovable, and charming little fellas we have ever come across.

“The group have been living it large in one of our quarantine enclosures since arrival, and have already won the hearts of all their new keepers and some of those who have been fortunate enough to meet them already.”

Mr Moiser said despite continuing financial pressures faced by Tropiquaria, staff were now breaking ground for a new aviary for the cockatoos to call home.

He said: “We cannot wait to see it take shape.”

Mr Moiser said it had been made possible with the help of teams from JR Autocare and Dave Harris Construction, which had agreed at short notice to sponsor the build and get the project off the ground.

He said: “These acts of generosity go a long way and make a huge difference.”

The galah, which grows to about 14 inches in length and 12 ounces in weight, is widespread across the Australian continent.