|
You may not be able to tell from this photo, but Sebastian and Samantha are Moluccan cockatoos. They came to TGF from the Denver Dumb Friends League on May 12, 2010. Nothing is known about their previous owners or past history, except that they had been in one home for the majority of their lives. Their previous owners did leave a cashiers check to offset some of their care, but as we know, the costs are on-going.
Sebastian is a 31 year old male and Samantha - the bald one - is a 30 year old female, they remain in quarantine as we await the remainder of their medical results. Samantha has some issues that require further examination.
They currently reside together in a small, bird safe room at The Birdbrain. Often during the day, the staff will close the door and set them free in the room. We take great delight in watching through the window as these two explore every inch of their quarters - they love to climb in and out of the "toy box" that is set up on the floor, before making their way up to the empty bookshelves. They especially like the "imaginary" books on the second shelf!
Next time you are at The Birdbrain, be sure to ask one of our staff to introduce you to these special parrots! Maybe you will catch them exploring their castle!
Consider becoming a sponsor for one of these deserving birds.
Please, help us continue to provide for Sebastian, Samantha and the rest of the TGF flock.
|
|
The summer of 2010 has kept the parrots and the people of The Gabriel Foundation busier than ever. We have major changes happening at The Birdbrain and the Aviary and Adoption Center, plus we have been out and about in the community and beyond.
On July 20, TGF staffers Julie Murad, Karen VanderHyde, Charise Mixa, Dr. Noel Opitz and Kodi Pinnell headed west - to visit the renowned Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, UT. It was a long and hot journey - the A/C in our vehicle gave out after 40 minutes on the road, and while navigating the gnarly curves of I-70 West we encountered a major traffic accident which resulted in a nearly 6-hour delay, rerouting our course.
But, we prevailed - and it was well worth it - with a unique and beautiful oasis of green and exquisite birds and aviaries at the Tracy Aviary. Head curator, Roger Sweeney, was a rich and informative tour guide who has brought marvelous new developments to this zoological park. We were treated so kindly by the keepers and staff, and enjoyed the luxury of the beautifully landscaped and naturalized grounds. The staff was exemplary in their generosity of time to us, and visiting veterinarian, Dr. Douglas Folland, invited Dr. Opitz to observe some of the procedures of the day.
We were fortunate to catch site of Phung Lu - a superb trainer who is creating a new bird show and stage at the aviary to engage the public's support of the it's projects, programs and conservation.
Many thanks to our delightful hosts, Drs. Scott and Layle Echols who warmly welcomed us into their home, wined and dined us and helped to make this trip a truly enjoyable learning experience.
Learn more at www.tracyaviary.org and http://www.rogersweeney.net/index.html
---
TGF’s first trip to the Kiowa Street Fair on August 14 was a fun, sun drenched event. Many thanks to our human volunteers Gaye Thomasson, Patty Snow, Christine Stoner, Rhonda Harris and Joy Hauser, and our avian ambassadors, Casper the Triton cockatoo; Greenwing macaws, Red and Baby; and Coco, the Yellow naped Amazon – all of whom are senior psittacines. They enjoyed the new sights and sounds, and (of course) being the center of attention for the constant crowd that gathered to meet and greet some of Elbert County’s finest feathered friends.
To learn more about Elizabeth’s sister town, Kiowa, visit http://www.townofkiowa.com/TownofKiowaEvents.html |
