Wendy and the WPR veterinarian tried everything possible to save Buster's wing. Unfortunately, the infection damage had gone too far. Part of Buster's wing must be removed.

The Vet was concerned that the ultimate cause of the damage may be bone cancer. Consequently she did a bank of expensive tests to determine if this is the case. We're awaiting the results.

Coming to the World Parrot Refuge was the best thing for Buster. We have other birds who are also cancer survivors living happily with us. To those who say: Why not just "put them down," I reply (using the theme from my favorite movie, Seabiscuit): "You don't throw a whole life away just because it's banged up some."

I'll post more on Buster when we have the results of his operation and tests.

Please click on the thumbnails below to learn how you can help some special birds have a home for life through our "Virtual Adoption" program! More stories coming soon!

Birds who are now partly sponsored, thank you!

Birds who are now fully sponsored, thank you!

"This is, in a word, a great place and these miraculous creatures deserve no less, but few places can deliver it this well. It is, indeed, 'world class'."

– Stewart Metz (author and Director of the Indonesian Parrot Project), after his visit at the Grand Opening of the Refuge on August 13, 2005.

"The World Parrot Refuge is a true sanctuary where parrots live out their lives in a loving, spacious and happy environment under the guidance of extraordinarily caring people. The many visitors destined to pass through the refuge will come to understand that parrots are not toys or trophies, but beings with needs and emotions as real as our own."

– Rosemary Low (author of more than 30 books on parrots)