The Rescuers by Jonathan Martin. Posted with permission from creaturesall Magazine #25

 “The Rescuers” is written by a different animal rescue organization each issue, the underlying purpose of which is to provide a bit of an insight into the behind the scenes goings on in running a rescue and the triumphs and tragedies that are their day.

The Rescuers -

Calgary Parrot Club written by Jonathan Martin

 In a first for Canada, and joining some of the more progressive bird clubs in North America, The Calgary Parrot Club (CPC) has shaken its ties to an earlier era, and embraced compassion as its overriding objective. Members of the CPC voted overwhelmingly to place the welfare of captive and wild parrots above the secular interests of parrot breeders and owners – individuals and companies who far too often view these magnificent creatures as mere objects or handy cash machines.

Building on the growing relationship with the WPR, the Calgary Parrot Club began to involve itself in rescuing, rehoming and funding the most hard-luck cases. In conjunction, the CPC virtually adopted Bart, an Orange Winged Amazon, who had his beak severely damaged by another parrot. Because of this injury, Bart is limited in what and how he eats, but continues to receive treatment for his past malnutrition and debilitating wound. Bart is a real character and the $500 yearly donation by the CPC to the World Parrot Refuge ensures he will live out his remaining years happy and free from pain.

Then there is the story of Sergio, a Moluccan Cockatoo, who after being rescued at an auction (at a not-inconsiderable price), travelled to the Refuge sporting a leg band so tight it threatened to constrict blood flow, a crop unable to empty and a bare chest, long since devoid of feathers. Sergio, who it turned out was really Sergiette, broke our hearts – she is a lovely bird, at the time frightened of everyone and everything, but today recovering nicely and showing the spunk and personality that makes cockatoos, to their misfortune, such prized possessions.

Sometimes, placing a parrot's interests above our own means making the hard decisions. Several Parrot Club members have themselves realized they cannot offer their parrot the psychological and physical enrichment of a flock, and have made the tough decision to rehome their bird to the World Parrot Refuge. It is a heart-rending choice, but shows the real love these individuals have for their fellow earthlings. It is also a reflection of the faith the CPC has in the work of Wendy and Horst at the WPR.

The CPC also supports and works with other local refuges, including Weary Wings Parrot Refuge in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada and Lenny’s Lair Cockatiel Rescue, also in Alberta. Through various fundraising efforts and the generosity of Club members, and with continued involvement in the broader community through events such as Pet Expos, the CPC is promoting responsible parrot ownership, and seeking to educate people about the real commitment parrot guardianship entails. The CPC also supports wild parrot conservation initiatives, believing that ultimately these beautiful, sensitive and intelligent creatures should be allowed to remain wild and fly free.

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