Brisbane 2032 Olympics: The pink cockatoo beat the kangaroo to become the emblem of the games

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have found their face, and it’s not a kangaroo.

Organizers recently unveiled the first major visual identity for the Games, with a pink cockatoo taking center stage. The Olympic emblem is the coat of arms of the pink cockatoo, an Australian bird, the color of which is stylized as the Olympic and Paralympic flame, and the shape of which is reminiscent of Queensland.

The emblem was unveiled piece by piece in Queensland over the past week, with Olympic and Paralympic stars including Ian Thorpe, Grant Patterson, Anna Meares and Alexa Leary attending the national unveiling. The plan was to complete the puzzle at a community celebration in Brisbane.

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Instead, the Internet got there first.

An explainer video featuring the completed emblem was accidentally uploaded to Brisbane 2032’s official YouTube channel three days before its scheduled launch.

“Brisbane 2032 emblems are inspired by the spirited cockatoo – a symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife and playful heart! The crest of the cockatoo is a living torch that resembles the iconic Olympic and Paralympic flame,” the description reads, ABC reported.

“The sign in the shape of Queensland with an eye on Brisbane is a universal symbol that will unite Brisbane, Australia and the world in 2032.” Courtesy: Brisbane 2032

The video was quickly removed, but screenshots have already spread across social media. Brisbane 2032 marketing director Brent Hill later said the leak had generated “incredible” publicity.

“The overarching element from our side is still the fact that we wanted people to guess, we wanted the clues to be there, and now it’s out there.

“The response to it has been really positive.

WHY COCKATOO OVER KANGAROO?

Kakadu had a lot of competition. Australian animals considered included a kangaroo, a koala and even an ibis – popularly known in Australia as the “bin chicken”, but the cockatoo won out.

Its crest is designed to resemble the Olympic and Paralympic flame, while the overall shape reflects Queensland and its eye represents Brisbane. Organizers also incorporated First Nations elements into the design, with “cockatoos seen as messengers of cultural significance, connecting people to place, story and ceremony.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the emblems “are a celebration of our city, our lifestyle”.

“They reflect the Brisbane (that) people know and love: vibrant, resilient, connected, friendly, playful and a little sassy,” Schrinner said. “They are also a symbol of excitement throughout our city.

“With less than six years to go, we’re already gearing up to welcome the world to Australia’s lifestyle capital.”

MASCOT MAY BE DIFFERENT

However, the cockatoo should not be confused with the official Brisbane 2032 mascot.

The logo and mascot are separate elements of the Games’ identity. The official mascot will be revealed closer to the Games and organizers have not yet confirmed which character will take on the role.

The mascot debate has already begun. Olympics Minister Tim Mander was asked about the possibility of Brisbane’s famous ubiquitous ibis, or “bin chicken”, becoming the mascot. He quickly ruled it out.

“I can guarantee you, I’m sorry, it won’t be bin chicken,” Mander said, drawing a few boos as he launched the emblem.

Brisbane Mayor Schrinner, meanwhile, offered the option of having more than one mascot, asking: “Why limit yourself to just one (mascot)?” Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells said Bluey was a popular suggestion during her school visits around Australia.

For now though, Brisbane 2032 owns the cockatoo.

The emblem gives the Games their first major visual identity, built around the Australian bird, the shape of Queensland and the cultural character of the host region.

The cockatoo may have arrived earlier than planned, but Brisbane now has its first unmistakable symbol for the 2032 Games. And with a mascot yet to come, another part of the Games’ identity is waiting to take off.

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