Two rare parrots die at Perth Zoo

Two critically endangered western ground parrots that were recently transferred to Perth Zoo before fire destroyed much of their habitat have died.

The parrots, taken from Cape Arid National Park in Western Australia's south in November, were expected to contribute to the zoo's breeding program.

The birds are believed to have died from a respiratory illness, but post-mortem results are still pending, Perth Zoo life sciences acting director John Lemon says.

"Perth Zoo will continue to care for the remaining five western ground parrots at the zoo, which are monitored 24 hours a day and are all healthy," he said.