October 20, 2024
Some rescues stay with you. This is one of them.
Dropped Off and Forgotten
On a recent October afternoon, we received word that a severely plucked Blue and Gold Macaw had been dropped off at the Humane Society — in a cardboard box. When staff opened the box, they found a terrified, nearly featherless bird exhibiting aggressive behaviors. One look at that bird and we knew: we had to act.
HFFN Club Secretary Tasha and her husband Richard dropped everything and went to get the bird.
What They Found
The staff at the Humane Society told Tasha and Richard that the bird was approximately 11 years old, went by the name “Mangle,” and was described as very frightened, aggressive, and heavily plucked. Tasha and Richard steeled themselves for the possibility of securing a hostile bird in a cardboard box.
What they found instead stopped everyone in the room cold.
The bird’s upper beak had been severely dremeled down and bore deep grooves — a sign of prolonged malnutrition. The nails were long and sharp. The body was completely bald, with only the wings, head, and tail feathers remaining. Some of those feathers showed unusual coloring, suggesting possible liver issues.
And yet — when Tasha and Richard walked into the room, Mangle took one look at Richard and slowly lifted a leg.
Not in aggression. In hope.
“Please. I don’t know where I am or why I’m here. I need someone to help me.”
Richard understood immediately. He bent down, offered his hand, and let Mangle step up. He drew the bird close to his chest and gently stroked his head, letting him know: you’re safe now.
Mangle melted into his arms. Every person in that room had tears in their eyes.
A Bird Who Knew Love Once
How long had Mangle waited for a moment like that? How long had he gone without kindness, without gentleness, without someone who simply understood what he needed?
The answer was written all over him — in the bare skin from plucking, the worn beak, the discolored feathers due to malnourishment. And yet, the moment Richard offered his hand, Mangle stepped up without hesitation. This is a tame bird. A bird who knew love at some point in his life. A bird who never stopped hoping someone would show it to him again.
Instead, he was dropped off at the Humane Society. In a cardboard box. Like last week’s newspaper.
But that chapter is over now.
A New Name. A New Life.
Mangle will not be going back to the life he had before. He is going somewhere better — somewhere he will be loved, cherished, and fed properly. As heartbreaking as his story is, it is also, in its own way, a blessing. His life is about to become immeasurably better than it has ever been.
And the first order of business? That name goes. No more Mangle.
If she’s a girl — she’s Mable. If he’s a boy — he’s Kingsley.
Mable/Kingsley is currently in quarantine with Tasha and Richard, safely separated from their other birds. She/he has already had a full wellness examination and complete blood panel with Dr. Walsh at Feather and Fur Animal Hospital. Disease testing and gender testing have been sent to Avian Biotech — so the official name reveal is coming soon! 🦜
How You Can Help
HFFN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the premiere parrot and bird club in the Hawaiian Islands. Rescues like Mable/Kingsley’s are only possible because of your support — and every donation is 100% tax-deductible.
If you live on O’ahu and have room in your home and heart for a rescued bird, we would love to meet you. Come to one of our monthly meetings — you might just find your perfect feathered match.
📅 Monthly meeting info: bit.ly/3UBdbdh 💛 Donate via PayPal: paypal.me/hwnfeatheredfriends 📞 (808) 294-7382 📧 hwnfeatheredfriends@gmail.com
Every bird deserves to be loved. Thank you for making that possible. 🦜
