Auckland Zoo's red-tail black cockatoo Mabo has been reunited with his handlers after going missing.

An Auckland woman ditched her housework to lure a cockatoo into a cage on Anzac Day.

Mabo the red-tailed black cockatoo went missing from Auckland Zoo on April 24 after a free-flying session and had made his way to the backyard of Jensie Chapman in Birkdale.

Chapman saw Mabo perched on top of a cable when he flew towards her squawking.

AUCKLAND ZOO Auckland Zoo's red-tail black cockatoo Mabo was found in Jensie Chapman's backyard.

She rang her mother, Alex McMillan who is a former vet-nurse who ditched her housework to save the bird.

READ MORE: Young cockatoo Mabo missing from Auckland Zoo

McMillan told Chapman to "keep talking to him and keep it entertained", while she grabbed a cage and some bird seed.

"He was happy as larry and I put some seed in my hand and coaxed him in to the cage," McMillan said.

McMillan started ringing around various bird centres including NZ Bird Rescue in Green Bay, who then got in touch with the zoo.

"I packed him up and drove to the zoo," McMillan said.

Mabo began squawking and got excited when he was reunited with his handlers, she said.

Auckland Zoo posted online on Tuesday night and said "a very vocal and friendly Mabo turned up in Jensie's garden and made himself at home".

"Mabo's back home with Daku [his Zoo mate], who was delighted to see him. He's been tucking in to some of his favourite treats (sunflower seeds and nuts) and has now settled in for a quiet night."

Animal experiences team leader Lizzy Perrot said Mabo was nodding off as she and her fellow keepers left last night.

"He's had a really good rest, has been tucking into breakfast this morning, and back to his normal mischievous and cheeky self," a zoo spokeswoman said.