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 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!

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!

Birds who are now partly sponsored, thank you!

Birds who are now fully sponsored, thank you!

"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)

"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.