Please note, proud Ben passed away, knowing his name and knowing he was loved. He will be missed by us all.
When he was captured in the wild, probably with the use of nets, poor Ben had both feet broken at the ankles. He was worth only a few dollars to the poachers, so broken feet did not matter. Somehow he survived the trip to the pet shop in California. Somehow his ankles healed – although in completely the wrong position. His feet stick out and he sits on the calloused ankle bones. He uses his beak and very powerful neck to enable himself to move. Unwanted, he was housed in a 20” square cage at the bottom of a stack of other parrots.
25 years ago he was purchased by a lady whose heart broke when she saw his situation. He was kept outside and provided with another macaw for a friend. His companion suffered an early demise so Ben, the broken blue and gold macaw, was brought to this sanctuary to ensure his comfort for the remainder of his life. He was a very sad bird when he arrived here.
We gave him the name Ben, and he showed pride right away. He now knows his name and interacts with several people and some birds. His feather quality has improved, indicating that his health has improved with his more varied diet and improved facilities.
Ben is a very “special needs” macaw who will remain in the Judy Langille Wellness Centre for the rest of his life. Our deepest wish is that he loses the look of fear in his eyes.
Were the b*st*rds who kept him in the tiny cage presecuted ? Poor bird. I wish I could cuddle him. I’dlove to see every idiot who mistreated a parrot brought to justice, and preferably punished physically ! ( Sorry, I just can’t stand abusers ! )