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.

Buster is home and feeling much better. Despite the setback of having his left wing partially amputated (to remove 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!"

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.

Buster is feeling better today - rested and well-fed. He's off to see the Vet on Tuesday:

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.