White Bird before...
...and after
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MEET WHITE BIRD
White Bird is a Citron Cockatoo, also known as a Sumba Cockatoo. This cockatoo is the smallest of the Lesser Sulphur crested Cockatoo subspecies, native to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands and Sumba. This bird is classified as CITES Appendix 1* of protected species. It’s easy to see how this subspecies differs from the Lesser Sulphur crested Cockatoo: the crest is marigold orange and ear patches are pale orange. Like the nominate species, the large wing and tail feathers have a pale yellow wash to them and the beak is dark gray. Like all cockatoos, eye color ranges from brown to very dark brown to nearly black.
[Appendices 1, 11 and 111 to the Convention are lists of species afforded different levels or types of protection from over-exploitation. Appendix 1 lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial, for instance for scientific research. In these exceptional cases, trade may take place provided it is authorized by the granting of both an import permit and an export permit (or re-export certificate).]
White Bird was a hand-raised baby, purchased from a large breeder in CA. He came to TGF in January 2009 along with 7 other parrots in his flock, 2 Indian Ringnecks, a Senegal, a Blue fronted Amazon, a B&G macaw, Scarlet macaw and Greenwing macaw. These birds had lived with their owner in Idaho for several years. They were nearly all acquired as youngsters. He dearly loved his birds, and was heartsick that he could no longer provide the care and attention that the birds needed. He had aggressive lung cancer, and his situation was critical. He had little help to care for the birds, and called upon TGF to save them. TGF enlisted the help of dedicated local volunteer, Kim Valentine, and called upon humane resources in Idaho to help break down and load cages and the birds. Kim’s job as a professional driver was a priceless resource as she made the 1600 mile round trip in the dark winter month of January.
The birds’ owner had been an extremely heavy smoker in the house and around the birds. He was very concerned about White Bird who had an untreated chest wound that was not healing. Due to his own health issues, he was unable to get the bird to the vet, he had been unable to handle any of the birds for several months. This was a stressful situation for the birds and with help from a concerned animal lover (uncle to a TGF member’s Moluccan cockatoo), and a neighbor, the birds were transferred without incident. In a tearful goodbye, the owner was brought from the hospital to see his birds one last time and entrusted them to our care. Kim, accompanied by her granddaughter, made the return trip in record time.
Once here, it was time to place all birds into quarantine and to assess each bird’s health. Lab testing and physical exams were scheduled and completed for all. We determined that it was best for White Bird to settle in to this new environment before undergoing needed surgery. The wound was cleaned and treated topically, and within 2 weeks, he underwent wound repair. Since that time, he’s been kept collared in a specially modified cage to keep him from falling and further injuring himself. He’s adapted remarkably well, and the wound site has dramatically improved. New feathers are sprouting all over his chest and body, and the second-hand smoke smell and yellow color are disappearing daily from White Bird and his other flock members.
White Bird is available for sponsorship or adoption. Every one of the birds in this flock deserves a special caregiver.
Please, help us continue to provide for White Bird, Holay, Jack, Mickey, George, Lulu, LaBamba and Dapper Dan who deserve a much improved life. See pictures of the Idaho flock.
TGF DOES NOT BREED BIRDS, regardless of the species (nor will we place adoptive birds in breeding situations). We make every effort to provide a living environment that does not encourage breeding behaviors. Should eggs be laid, every effort is made to alter the environment and remove the egg(s) as soon as possible but discourage repeated laying. Eggs are never allowed to mature to hatch. Very few birds are housed male with female and careful attention is paid to these birds. Should breeding behaviors be observed, careful assessment of the situation is undertaken and every action is implemented to change this behavior.
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