Of Birds and Bonding

Meet Vana and her boyfriend. Two birds that have bonded in our shelter setting. They are considered sanctuary birds. (Vanna's health isn't what it used to be, and we feel that she should remain with us so that her medical needs can always be addressed)

Seeing two birds really and truly happy with each other is one of the most heartwarming things we get to witness. What happened between them is one of my favorite tales.

Their Story:

When Vana was surrendered she was supposedly a young, plucked bird that was a breeder. A quick medical exam and behavioral evaluation later and it was apparent that Vana was actually an older bird and had been a breeder for quite some time. She had cataracts, her feather follicles were permanently damaged and she was extremely skittish with people.

Vana was always gentle with the shelter staff and never bit, but she was easily stressed and obviously scared. Despite months of working with her, Vana never really warmed up to people. I was always sad to see this sweet old girl looking uncomfortable. She seemed lonely, but didn't want people as companions. The other macaws generally ignored her. One of the other female macaws would let Vana stay on her cage top and generally tolerated her presence. Adopters were not interested in this "ugly old bird" - no one seemed to notice how beautiful she was on the inside.

Vana getting ready for her bath

One day, a young, gorgeous, fully feathered hybrid macaw was surrendered. He was out going and people oriented. DJ is the kind of bird that most adopters stop and stare at. He's fun, he likes to dance, he plays (sometimes a little too rough for those of us who don't have feathers!) and he is breathtakingly beautiful. After quarantine the "new guy" was placed in the large macaw room.

DJ after a bath!

Instead of checking out the beautiful fully feathered, young "ladies" in the room though, DJ zeroed in on Vana. He immediately started defending her, staying on top of her cage and trying to hang out. Vana either ignored him or went inside her cage to get away. DJ was very stubborn. He kept trying to make friends - he never chased her, but made sure he was always near by so if someone tried to pick Vana up or do anything that distressed her he could protect her. He was a constant shadow.

A few months later Vana finally gave in and the rest is history. Vana finally has a friend who she is not afraid of and DJ can be with the lady he is smitten with.

These two somehow found each other and are both much happier with each other than they are with people. Like most good stories, this one has a moral. Sometimes it's what's on the inside that really matters. And unlike some good stories this one is completely true.