Refuge Photos Galore!

 Posted by at 12:04 pm  2 Responses »
Apr 182012
 

75219_10150649530880950_586295949_9774122_1711791897_n On Saturday, April 14, I spent a number of hours photographing the daily goings-on of the staff and volunteers, the many new signs and posters that are up with information about how to keep a parrot happy and healthy (provided by Phoenix Landing), and most importantly of all, some of the many feathered residents.

I will admit that my heart was stolen by Tilly, a sweet Congo African Grey with only a few feathers left, who came to the Refuge in January. You can read about her story here. I was pleased to see a few red tail feathers peeking out! She’s a feisty, happy, bright little bird. I just wanted to snuffle her fluff!

Please enjoy a “day in the life” of the Refuge. I did!

The birds!

April 14 Parrots There were many rustic tree stands and branches throughout the Refuge to give the birds some natural chewing “toys” (in addition to the many cardboard boxes they also enjoy destroying). The staff made the tree-perches and chew-branches from trees cut down out the back. The birds obviously enjoyed them very much: there were many chew marks to be seen.

The Blue and Gold Macaw in some of the photos was endearing: he’s alteast 60 years old. When I first spotted him, he was snoozing on a cage towards the back; then I saw him snacking on a strawberry on the floor; finally he was towards the front having a snooze on top of another cage. He was able to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

April 14 Parrots I brought chop sticks with me; Tilly quite liked hers until she gave it up to sample a bean, and then snack on some broccoli. It was also good to see Lucky Loo, who was being kept company by her new friend, Nelson, a 40+ year old wild-caught Amazon. I found Batman being a naughty monkey-bird pulling paper from under Caesar’s cage. Caesar was oblivious, contentedly talking to himself above.

Some visitors to the Refuge also agreed to pose for photos with birds they had met. Brianne, a young lady from Edmonton, told me she always makes time to visit the Refuge. She hopes to bring more awareness to people in Edmonton about the plight of parrots, and of the Refuge.

60 photos – 3 pages

Other photos from the day:

Meet Some Staff

Education at the Refuge

New Arrivals

 Posted by at 10:00 am  No Responses »
Mar 202009
 
Reuben

Reuben

2009 continues to present challenges. As well as ongoing funding issues, new parrots come in daily it seems. Most arrive with no commitment to their financial needs and some have health issues.

Reuben Macaw is in poor condition. His feathers are picked almost bare in many places. His beak shows chalky areas and generally he seems to have experienced poor nutritional and environmental conditions. Wendy told me his estimated age – about ten I as I recall.

Kolbe is a two-year-old African Grey. His feathers are over-groomed to nothing, and he is extremely nervous around people. When he first arrived he cowered high in a corner of his cage. Within just a few days, he is gaining confidence.

Kolbe

Kolbe

Wendy reports that he is switching to the new food very quickly, and has been playing in his cage and even hanging upside down. That’s a great sign!

Remember you can contribute to the Virtual Adoption of any of our birds through the donations page. The average cost per bird is $500/year, but any donation helps immensely. Thanks again for checking in on us!

Chi Chi is Doing Fine!

 Posted by at 10:35 pm  3 Responses »
Nov 052008
 

It’s been over a year since Chi Chi’s first big walk, after the amputation to save her from cancer in her right hip.

I’m happy to report that she is a contented bird. She moves at will in and out of her cage, and because she has a special corner full of people and birds of all sub-species, she’s developed some interesting friendships – and nap-buddies!

Buster Update 4

 Posted by at 10:43 pm  2 Responses »
Nov 042008
 

Now that Buster has stopped chewing his injured wing, he can roam around the refuge free from bandages and the cone he hates so much!

He loves hangin’ out near the floor, with his buddy Dr Earl.

Goodbye to Esther

 Posted by at 5:34 pm  14 Responses »
Oct 152008
 

It’s never easy saying goodbye to loved ones, and in the case of larger-than-life inspirational cancer survivor, Esther, the Moluccan cockatoo, it’s even more difficult. You’ve read lots of stories about Esther on the website. Originally named Lester, but very fond of dropping the L, Lester quickly became Esther, and Esther worked his way into everybody’s heart, feathered or otherwise.

Wendy writes: “Esther came to us when he was 12 years old from a great and loving family, who wanted him to have the best life he could possibly have. Esther was with us for about 10 years. He had squamous cell carcinoma, which is a skin cancer – deadly in humans – most people die with within the first year. Esther had this type of cancer for about 8 years. He had 14 surgeries and 10 chemotherapy therapy treatments in the early stages, and went into remission for a year and a half, but then it came back. He reacted very badly to the next round of chemo so we had to stop. He was given 3 months to live – about 4 years ago!

Esther with one of her flock, former staff supervisor, Corinna

Esther with one of his flock, former staff supervisor, Corinna

“We tried a new treatment as follows: Esther said, “Cancer, go away” every day, and then I kissed it better with magical healing kisses. The cancer was almost gone on the outside. Esther was very happy and did all the educational shows with me. Esther greeted people when they arrived at the sanctuary. Esther was the sanctuary. Recently, Esther has looked the best he has ever looked since the cancer first came. He was a great weight and his feathers were fabulous. He even had new wing feathers coming in.”

However, on October 11, Esther passed away in a moment. As is fitting for a friend who gave so much to all of us, he did not suffer at all. And he was by Wendy’s side, so he was not alone.

We should let our beloved Esther have the last word, from this video taken by volunteer Grant Corriveau. Fly high, strong, and free, Esther. We love you!

Jesse Update

 Posted by at 1:13 pm  1 Response »
Mar 202008
 

Jesse

Jesse posing: She apparently doesn’t like having her picture taken while eating, so she’s waiting until we’re finished. What a character.

Before and After

 Posted by at 9:57 am  No Responses »
Mar 032008
 

Teemu

When Teemu arrived from his loving home he was showing the effects of unspecified environmental toxins. Parrots have an extremely efficient respiratory system and are susceptible to tiny amounts of chemicals in the air that would not bother humans. For example, many pet birds have been killed by the fumes from over-heated teflon cookware accidentally left on the stove too long.

Teemu

In Teemu’s case new flooring added to his home began affecting him severely. His owners regretfully had to find a new home for him and that’s how he came to live at the World Parrot Refuge. As you can see from these photos, he is rapidly recovering. Wendy calls him, “A delightful bird.”

Daisy Update 2

 Posted by at 10:56 pm  No Responses »
Feb 192008
 

Daisy was having a nap but she woke up long enough to show off her feathers. Her recovery has been dramatic. She now seems quite at home with her new friends and surroundings. She’s a wonderful bird.

When the day comes for Daisy to join the main flock I’ll record her progress – but that won’t be for many weeks yet. Wendy encourages new birds to form mini-flocks while they recover their health and adapt to a new home. Later, when they’re ready, she moves them as a group into the main compound. Parrots have a complex social life and they need time to work out new relationships – a lot like people.

A Boy Named Esther

 Posted by at 12:45 pm  3 Responses »
Feb 122008
 

Esther (aka Lester – He often drops the “L” in his name), is battling cancer. A troubling number of Moluccan Cockatoos in captivity develop cancer. No one knows why. Could it be from nutritional issues? These birds are only one or two generations removed from the wild. They originate from one specific island in Indonesia where they eat things that only grow there. Do they have finely-tuned digestive tracts which are missing some critical item – despite our best attempts to provide a variety of wholesome foods? Or, are they being exposed to environmental toxins in this part of the world to which they have no immunity? As I said – the cause is not known.

Anyway, Esther is a remarkable survivor and has been fighting cancer for over 8 years! He’ll never fly again, having lost too many feathers to the disease and subsequent treatment. And of course, he’ll never be able to live as a free-ranging bird. Captive parrots cannot be released to the wild for many reasons. But he’s twenty years old now and is consistently happy. He’s one of our best “ambassadors” because he is always interested in new people and ready to greet them with “Hellos” and cuddles.

As you can tell in this short video, he’s got tons of “spirit and Joie de Vivre!” He is full of life! And he’s a constant encourager to all of us when we face tough times. We’ve had many cancer survivors visit us at the refuge and they form an immediate bond with our pal Esther.

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