RIP Joey

She held a special place in the hearts of all the staff and volunteers. Her life was a long and mostly tragic example of why parrots were never intended to be 'pets' or 'companions.' She passed away early this morning (just after midnight), May 11, 2007, while being held and loved unto the end.

A Tribute Song for Joey ("Somewhere over the Rainbow" sung by Eva Cassidy (songbird):


Below is Joey's story as copied from the website
of her final home, The World Parrot Refuge.

Jan 2006 – Joey – A Greater Sulfur Crested Cockatoo

When she was caught in the wild, approximately 40 years ago, Joey became a caged household bird. In those days, it was perfectly normal to keep a bird in a cage that you spoke to now and then, and treated like a piece of furniture that moved from home to home with you. In Joey's case, moving house included moving from country to country.

Joey was never allowed out of the cage, because her owner was afraid she would fly away and die. Joey didn't have toys - no one in their right mind gave toys to birds in those days - after all, she was just a bird. Joey's diet consisted of sunflower seeds, but the loving lady shared her daily toast and tea with Joey, so she would be happy.

Thirty years passed and Joey had a stroke. She lost the use of her legs, but was able to pull herself around the cage using her beak. Her wing muscles had atrophied long ago, so she could not use them to move herself. Needless to say, she had no body feathers.

Her elderly caregiver suddenly realized after the stroke that Joey could no longer fly away. She opened the cage and started to take Joey out on long walks in a baby carriage. Joey enjoyed the attention and the desperately needed natural light.

The years passed until finally her caregiver was too ill herself to look after Joey. The family thought it would be kinder to euthanize Joey since no-one had the time to dedicate to her, or allergies would be a big problem. The veterinarian telephoned us and asked if we would be prepared to provide the care that Joey needed. After a discussion with the family, it was decided that Joey would be transported here.

On her arrival, we checked Joey for abilities and possible problems. Poor Joey had apparently spent her time hanging from the bars of her cage to hold herself upright. The local vet had made sure that her beak was trimmed regularly as it was growing abnormally due to the manner in which she used it to hold her body weight. Her feet were totally crippled and the heels were badly infected from standing for periods of time in her own very acidic feces. Joey has a gastro-intestinal bacterial infection for which she is now receiving antibiotics. She also received vitamin shots, because her previous diet had not provided much.

In only 5 days, the difference in Joey is startling. A regular volunteer, who was a registered nurse before retiring, has dedicated several hours each day to massaging and exercising Joey's legs in warm water. Joey can now move both legs. The use of her right leg was apparent in only 2 days, but today she moved her left leg totally unaided, both in and out of water. She does not live in a cage but in a three foot square aquarium resting on a big stand. The bottom of the aquarium is covered in thick blankets and sheets and we built a perimeter of rolled towels to support her body. She can see everywhere. She has teddy bears as supports for the sides of her body so that she does not roll over, although she can now hold her right side up very well with the power of her right leg. She has discovered the joy of walnuts, and yesterday she ate cheese and grapes after much tempting. Joey is chatting away in English and her own special language, which I am sure you will be able to decipher as time goes by.

Needless to say, Joey's vet bills are already large and we know that this will continue as she is a very "special needs" bird. She is one of many already here and, goodness knows, of how many more to come.

Please click on the "Donate Now" button below if you wish to contribute to Joey's support. Every dollar helps, and is tax deductible.