Mandala Messenger

January 18, 2007

Wild Pets in Captivity

“Red,” a stunning green wing macaw, was taken away from a parrot breeder in New Hampshire, where he was kept outside, and beaten with sticks and brooms. The compassionate bird lover who rescued Red sent him to KPC’s Garuda Aviary, a nonprofit, exotic bird sanctuary dedicated to providing lifelong care for abused and neglected companion birds. With love and attention, Red has grown from a very traumatized and hostile bird into a playful companion who enjoys attention, watching people and even dancing. Red’s history of abuse is not unusual. Exotic birds captured and removed from their natural habitat and kept in cages experience unimaginable suffering. A generation or two removed from the wild, they are not domestic animals suited to life as pets. These birds are intelligent and highly social--flying, interacting, and roosting in large numbers in the wild.

In captivity, their screaming, messy eating habits, self-destructive behavior, and propensity for chewing furniture and drapes, make them an extremely demanding companion. And with adequate care and nutrition, they can live for 50 to 80 years! Parrots, macaws, and other exotic birds are in demand for their intelligence, beauty and ability to interact with humans, but because many people who purchase birds are ill-prepared for such a long, intensive commitment, these birds are often subjected to abuse and neglect.

The number of parrots without suitable homes is increasing; a staggering number (in the millions) are shuffled from home to home, to bird sanctuaries or even let loose, where they are unable to survive. As long as the capture and breeding of exotic birds continue, there will never be enough sanctuaries to care for all the birds rescued from cruel and unsuitable conditions.

How can you help?
· Encourage bird lovers to enjoy birds in their natural habitats, not in cages.
· Report any abused or neglected birds to your local animal authority or rescue organization.
· Support exotic bird rescue and sanctuary organizations.

The Garuda Aviary at KPC is active in educating the public about the plight of exotic birds, and provides lifelong care for neglected and abandoned birds. To participate in this mission, click on Make a Donation. Or donate by check - payable to Garuda Aviary and mail to 18400 River Road, Poolesville MD 20837. You can also read the birds' stories and become a bird sponsor! YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE. The Garuda Aviary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported entirely by sponsorships and donations.