Buster is home and feeling much better. Despite the setback of having his left wing amputated (to remove the damaged bone and pre-cancerous cells) he is obviously a contented bird. He's even starting to talk and vocalize.

Another thing I've noticed about Buster is the 'knowing eyes' -- he's a very aware and alert bird, even for an African Grey who are known for their intelligence.

Enjoy this little video update:

Wendy expects the final bill for Buster's medical care to end up close to $2,000 - similar to Chi-Chi the macaw. This is representative of the difficulties faced by parrots-as-pets and was obviously related to how Buster came here. Potential veterinarian costs are never disclosed by pet stores. The refuge faces financial challenges as previously-owned parrots continually arrive at our doorstep. Wendy strives to never turn them away. But of course the financial responsibility is enormous.

The World Parrot Refuge exists because of the dedicated work and financial commitment of Wendy and Horst along with generous donors. If you are willing and able to donate to Buster's care, it would be deeply appreciated. Every bit helps. As my Irish grandmother used to say, "Many hands make light work."

Thanks so much for caring about Buster and all his new "roommates!"

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)