Endangered ground parrots arrive at WA zoo

Two critically endangered Western Ground Parrots that have arrived at Perth Zoo could be a "lifeline for their species" after 90 per cent of their habitat was destroyed by fire.

There were fewer than 140 of the elusive ground-dwelling birds left in the wild before a bushfire tore through Cape Arid National Park near Esperance last month, with authorities unable to say how many survived.

A young male and female who were captured moments before wildlife officers were evacuated from the park underwent a veterinary examination at the zoo on Tuesday, with staff hoping the pair will become the first in the world to breed in captivity.

The parrots have joined five more of the rare birds at Perth Zoo.