Katie Update

Katie is an approximately 15 year old Moluccan Cockatoo. She's been with us for 8 years; even before we moved into our current location, so if you've visited the Center, there's a good chance you've seen her.

When Katie was surrendered to us, she was 7 years old and had already been in 7 different homes. Her last owner had taken her to a vet clinic to be euthanized. The vet was able to talk to her owner and convince them to surrender her to us instead.When we first met Katie, she was a mess. She hadn't experienced stability in her life. Large cockatoos are very difficult (if not impossible) to keep properly in captivity. Their needs are so complex that they need to be in the wild.However, we do our best with the cockatoos who are in captivity, and try to provide them with the best captive environment that we can. With a lot of patience, love, and care, Katie began to trust humans again. It took years, but she ultimately began to find joy again in life.

We thought she'd be a resident forever, given her beginning with us. However, sometimes life throws us curveballs, and one just arrived for Katie!One of our former volunteers, who had a fantastic relationship with Katie, recently lost her Moluccan Cockatoo, freeing up a space for Katie in her home. We couldn't hope for a better home for her -- a flock environment with owners who really give their all for these amazing creatures.
We are, of course, sad that Katie will be leaving us. She has been a constant presence at the Center for almost 8 years! She was used extensively in our education programs, and did a lot of PR with us as she loved it.

However, with this new beginning, Katie has such an opportunity. We hope to keep you updated on her progress!