2021 so far…
By Abi Strachan
It’s been a whirlwind of a ride so far, with thousands of kilometers being driven, a few transportation flights, hundreds of kilograms of food and chop being prepared, and countless hours spent training, nursing and loving over 90 birds this year already.
The first quarter has been busy, but rewarding for the entire Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue Team.
Some of our most memorable cases being Chappie, the ducorps cockatoo, who traveled almost 400km to his happily ever after, initially practicing severe feather destructive behavior and wearing 2 anti-pluck collars. He now spends his days barking orders (literally) and ruling the house as a true mommy’s boy. Rosie, the Alexandrine Parakeet came in with Severe PTSD and screamed for close to 18 hours a day, who is now spending her days watching peacefully as she destroys many toys. Alex, the Alexandrine Parakeet, came in severely neophobic, panicking at the slightest movement or change. Her lengthy rehab stay was 100% worth it when we received the first update and saw her living her best life in her forever home. Sylvia the Eclectus, that came in with a recently cleared aspergillosis infection, very overweight. Her owners, both elderly, realised that they needed to make provision for her future. She required liver support while undergoing massive weight loss, and an even more specialized diet that that of a “normal” Eclectus. She is recently in her new home and acts like she has been there her entire life. Neo, the Indian Ringneck Parakeet. The name Neo is a boy’s name of Latin origin meaning “new or gift”, and Neo is definitely owning up to his name. With a bald spot on the head and lots of confusion Neo came into our care. Everyday we take a step forward and in the right direction. Neo is fearfully and wonderfully made. We are not 100% there but the best is yet to come. Cape Town Poppet, as she’s affectionately known, remained in foster care for over 6 months while we searched for her perfect fit family. She was often overlooked by potential adopters on account of her appearance and aggression issues. Coming from a poor diet in a smoking home, Poppet faced many obstacles, but our persistence paid off and today she is the absolute love of her family’s lives.
It’s also important to remember those who we couldn’t save, despite our best efforts. We carry them in our hearts along with us on every case, they pour their essence into us as a token to show their appreciation for our efforts. Sometimes the best you can do is offer peace and dignity in the end, and we sacrifice ourselves and our resources to offer this to each and every bird that needs it. These are just a handful of cases that have really stood out to us, both breaking and mending our hearts at once.
There is no such thing as a day off in rescue, not when there is always a feathered friend in need, but as a solid team we have managed to achieve great things in just 3 short months. 2021 has not offered the best start to most as a follow on to the infamous 2020, and the heartbreak caused by the knock-on effect of the CoronaVirus pandemic has been felt by everyone. We do our jobs with pride, and we do them well (if I do say so myself…) if there’s a bird in need there is always a Team Member willing and eager to come to the rescue.
Of course, with all the highs and lows, we’ve had endless backup from our amazing supporters, volunteers and fosters. Your invaluable assistance and contributions make our work possible, and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to make a difference. Our aim is to operate ethically, and with kindness at all times, and without a solid support structure this would be impossible.
What’s in store for the future? Only growing bigger and better, and maximizing the difference we make. We’ve already added teams in 2 more provinces, Free State and Mpumalanga, extending our reach that much more. If this is what we can do in one of the toughest times the world has faced, I for one can’t wait to see what more we can achieve! As we close off this first quarter, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on all the lives we’ve changed, and everyone we’ve helped. Many say rescue is a thankless job, but really, seeing our birds go on to live their best lives is more than enough thanks. It’s equally important to take a moment to salute our supporters, volunteers and contributors for making all of this possible.
Let’s see what greatness awaits us in the next 9 months.
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