June 2, 2019

Some rescue stories begin with hope and end with heartbreak — and then circle back to hope again, because of people who refuse to look away. This is one of those stories.

Found and Discarded

In early June 2019, kind beachgoers at Sandy’s Beach on O’ahu made a discovery that stopped them in their tracks — a small Sun Conure, found discarded in a garbage can. One leg was jutting out awkwardly to the side, a clear sign of serious injury. They did the right thing — they reached out, and HFFN responded immediately: get this bird to Feather and Fur Animal Hospital.

Even as a found bird with no known owner, there was never any question. We don’t leave birds suffering in pain. That’s simply not who we are.

What the Vet Found

When Dr. Walsh called with the examination results, we were stunned. This tiny Sun Conure wasn’t dealing with one injury — he had three: a broken leg, a broken wing, and a dislocated good leg. And none of them were recent. These injuries were estimated to be six to eight months old.

Six to eight months of untreated pain.

The broken bones had already permanently healed in their damaged positions. This bird will never fly. On a flat surface, he is nearly immobile — twisted and unable to get around the way a healthy bird should. And yet, for all those months, someone had been feeding him. They kept him alive — but they never once sought veterinary care. They left him to suffer.

And They Threw Him Away

A bird that cannot fly. A bird that can barely walk. Tossed into a garbage can at Sandy’s Beach like he was nothing. It is difficult to find words for that kind of cruelty — so we will let our actions speak instead. This sweet little soul is in our care now, and he will be treated with every bit of the kindness and dignity he was denied for so long.

Why This Story Matters

This little Sun Conure is a living reminder of why HFFN exists. Birds cannot advocate for themselves. They cannot ask for help or find their way to a vet. They depend entirely on the humans around them — and when those humans fail them, we are here to step in.

Every rescue, every vet visit, every foster home — it all happens because of this community. Because of you.

If everyone does just a little, no one has to do a lot.

How to Help

💛 Donate via PayPal: paypal.me/hwnfeatheredfriends (Send as “friends” to avoid PayPal fees — every cent goes to the birds)

🏥 Donate to our veterinary account: Feather and Fur Animal Hospital “Hawaiian Feathered Friends Network Account” 25 Kāne‘ohe Bay Dr #260, Kailua, HI 96734 📞 808-254-1548 (Visit in person, mail a check, or call — just mention your donation goes on the HFFN account)

📦 Donate supplies: Cages, food, toys, toy making supplies, and other items are gratefully accepted. 📧 Email hwnfeatheredfriends@gmail.com to arrange a pickup.

All donations to HFFN go directly toward rescuing birds, providing veterinary care for sick and injured animals, and supporting our education and outreach programs across the Hawaiian Islands. 🦜