In October 2018, the Hawaiian Feathered Friends Network launched one of its most challenging and heartfelt rescue operations to date — the urgent removal and rehabilitation of more than 20 parrots from a home on O’ahu.
The birds belonged to an elderly couple whose declining health had made it impossible for them to adequately care for their flock. We want to be clear: this family cooperated with us fully and with grace. They made a difficult, courageous decision to surrender their birds, and we honor them for it. Our focus, always, was on the birds — and on making this transition as peaceful as possible for everyone involved.
The Condition of the Birds
The initial assessment was heartbreaking. All of the birds were suffering from severe malnutrition, having been fed an all-sunflower-seed diet. They were living in extremely small, dirty cages with cage bottoms layered in feces and empty seed husks. Many were pluckers and self-mutilators. Numerous birds were missing toenails, toe tips, and in some cases multiple toes. The flock ranged in size from lovebirds to Green Wing Macaws and Moluccan Cockatoos — some completely wild breeder birds requiring aviary housing, others somewhat tame but in desperate need of resocialization.
Four birds were removed immediately due to critical medical need:
The Goffin Cockatoo was in the most serious condition — a self-mutilation wound to his chest more than half an inch deep, requiring wound management and potentially surgery to close once muscle tissue began to regenerate. Despite being severely underweight, malnourished, and extensively plucked, this little trooper remained in relatively good spirits, making sweet noises and gentle gestures. He was placed with an experienced foster specializing in wound care.
The Lesser Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo was a plucker, missing several toes, and extremely lethargic — almost certainly the result of severe malnutrition. He showed a strong preference for female humans and was placed in foster care awaiting his veterinary appointment.
The Green Wing Macaw pair were both pluckers and appeared considerably underweight. Like the others, their all-sunflower-seed diet had taken a serious toll. They were placed in foster care pending their vet visit.
Veterinary Care
Dr. Walsh at Feather and Fur Animal Hospital in Kailua generously agreed to oversee the veterinary care for all rescue birds. A dedicated Hawaiian Feathered Friends Network account was established at the clinic to receive donations toward medical expenses.
Within hours of being placed in clean cages with proper food, the Green Wings began eating ravenously — and then tried to regurgitate for their foster caregiver, a sign of trust and gratitude that moved everyone involved to tears. These birds knew, in their own way, that something had changed for the better.
How You Helped
The response from our community was nothing short of extraordinary. Within the first day, donations of money, cages, toys, food, and supplies poured in from supporters near and far. Fosters and rehabbers stepped forward. Prayers and well-wishes came from around the world.
As Angela Rezentes wrote at the time: “You are guardian angels reaching out to bless these beautiful birds with proper medical care and a happy new life filled with lots of love, good food, and spacious clean cages. You’re changing their lives, and giving them a real chance to live, survive and thrive.”
Mahalo nui loa to everyone who showed up for these birds. 🦜
Want to Support Future Rescues?
HFFN is always working. If you can foster, donate, or volunteer, please reach out — every act of kindness makes a rescue like this possible.
📘 Find us on Facebook 📞 (808) 294-7382 📧 hwnfeatheredfriends@gmail.com 💛 Donate via PayPal: paypal.me/hwnfeatheredfriends
