A bittersweet goodbye, brought the rescues to the sanctuary

[paper_lantern]

Today I made the 8 hour trip with an Umbrella cockatoo (Baby) in the back seat, and a bonded pair of Green Cheeks (Salt and Pepper) up front.

I had rescued Salt and Pepper months ago, my first plan was to find them a home with a good family, but when it became apparent that they weren't hand tame, and probably wouldn't make good pets, I decided I owed them better. I had gotten them a large cage, but they hated being in it, so I thought "What is the closest place to the wild they can go?" and that's when I heard of this sanctuary. The birds who go there live the rest of their lives there, they have huge flight aviaries and are very well taken care of. After touring the area today I can safely say I know they will be happy there. Salt and Pepper's aviary is the size of my living room, lol.

I also rescued Baby the U2 a few weeks ago, she was kept in a dog crate for about 10 years and fed on a seed mix and peanuts. She had a plucking problem. When she was put in her aviary, near the aviary of a Moluccan cockatoo, the two immediately began screaming at each other and dancing. I know she will be very happy as well.

Of course I was more attached to the green cheeks, because I had them longer. I cried almost all the way home when I saw their empty travel cage in my front seat. I almost wanted to change my mind and keep them, but when I saw how happy they looked in their new home, as close to "the wild" as they can safely get, I knew I couldn't possibly do that.

I just hope they don't think I abandoned them.

[terri]

I think you did great ! Excited to hear how the u2 responded

[Munchy]

Difficult to do I am sure, but what a good life they are going to have now.