SEPTEMBER 2009 BIRD RESCUE: AURORA, CO

In September 2009, Aurora Animal Control confiscated 111 birds from a home In Aurora, CO. They were legally transferred to The Gabriel Foundation in late October 2009. The court returned 35 of the birds to the owner in late October, persuant to owner's compliance, and the rest are settling in at the Aviary & Adoption Center in Elizabeth, CO.

We continue to get to know the remaining birds' individual personalities better everyday. They came to us without bird or veterinary histories. Building a medical record and personalized history for each one of these birds has been our priority and we dedicated tremendous physical, financial, space, staff and volunteer resources to their short- and long-term care. The majority of the birds had been set up in breeding situations, and we were informed that others had been “rescued or adopted” by the Defendant. We worked hard to keep all birds that were housed as pairs together. For those birds that are determined by our staff to be adoptable – they will be adopted out as pairs as their relationships with each other have been formed over years. None of the birds has (nor will they be) set up for breeding purposes in keeping with our Statement on Breeding.

These birds have come so far in their short time at The Gabriel Foundation. They still have a long road ahead of them to maximize their recovery. Many of them will have shortened life spans as a result of chronic illness. But, each one now has the opportunity to spread its wings, have two nutritious meals a day - fresh vegetables, greens, fruits and sprouted seeds and grains, nuts, quality pellets and some seed, fresh water. Bathing and misting, outdoor time in the fresh air and sunshine and the ability to safely fly or move about in our outdoor flight cages or aviaries adds zest to their daily lives. The difference in these birds’ plumage, behavior, vocalization and activity is nearly miraculous. What a difference this complete change of environment has made in their quality of life. With your help and support, TGF is commited to give them the best future possible with appropriate veterinary care, housing, nutrition and enrichment. If some of these birds are fortunate enough to find a new home for the remainder of their lives – we will celebrate their future with joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Belle & Carlita

As we reported earlier, due to deteriorating medical conditions caused by multi system organ failure, the two aged Patagonian conures, Belle and Carlita were humanely euthanized at the end of January 2010 to end their suffering. Both birds had endured years of neglect. Their advanced ages and lack of supportive veterinary care prior to their arrival at TGF, had put them in peril. Their passing greatly affected all of us at TGF who were inspired by their devotion to each other. When any bird passes at The Gabriel Foundation, a gross necropsy is performed and subsequent histopathology is always submitted. Results indicated that Carlita had advanced lymphoma, and both birds had chronic viral disease determined by pathology.  This information doesn’t make our difficult decision easier at the time, but it helps us immensely to know that we did the right thing, and that they received the best of care and support during their 4 month stay with us. 

Romeo

Our information indicates that Romeo, a male Eclectus, was hatched in 2002. When he was confiscated by Aurora Animal Control and Services, he was paired with his friend, Isabella. When the Court determined that 35 birds would be returned to their original owner, Romeo was separated from his friend when Isabella was sent back.

Romeo has a medical history that belies his age. Diagnostic and biochemical testing show that he has chronic liver disease. His blood chemistries show elevated triglycerides and high cholesterol most likely related to his previous diet. He came to TGF with a bacterial infection, secondary to liver disease. Romeo had a large xanthoma (fatty tumor) on his wing, and he is presently being treated for that condition as well as the others. These physical symptoms are directly related to Romeo's poor nutritional history. TGF's staff veterinarian , Noel Opitz, DVM, started Romeo on a specific treatment therapy for his chronic disease and the results of his recent laboratory testing indicate that his triglycerides have lowered by more than 35%; his uric acid levels are now within normal range after being dangerously elevated; and even the xanthoma has shrunk in size. His recovery continues to amaze us all!

The Cost of Care

The cost of caring for this large flock is substantial. We need your help! If you would like to contribute specifically to the on-going medical care of these birds, click here to donate to the Forever Norman Fund.  If you would like to help with their day-to-day care, click here to make an unrestricted donation. Indicate Aurora flock in the comments section to ensure your donation is going to the right place!

Watch for more news and updates about this flock starting in June on our website and Facebook. You’ll have the pleasure of deciding which bird from the Aurora flock YOU want to help. They’ve been failed too often in the past, this flock now has a future of care and commitment awaiting them. As our motto from The Little Prince exclaims, “Many have forgotten this truth, but you must not forget it. You remain responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.”  With your help, this flock will not be forgotten.