Bwende



Bwende is an African Grey parrot. On Saturday, November 7, 2009, HSHAR received a phone call from Animal Emergency Clinic of St. Petersburg about an African Grey that was just brought in with a very severe leg injury. A dog bit most of his right leg off. The owners did not feel that they could provide the medical care and rehabilitation that this bird required and there were no guarantees that he would survive this traumatic injury. Sadly, the owners decided to euthanize him. However, another solution was presented to the owners, “What if we can find a place that will take him and get the medical attention that he needs.” The owners eagerly accepted that option and HSHAR was more than happy to take him. We have extensive rehab experience, so this was right up our alley. On November 8, 2009, we took ownership of this amazing little bird.

The next few months were filled with challenges as Bwende was not always a cooperative patient. Dr. Topor, from Livingston Animal and Avian Hospital in Lutz, Florida, fit him with a special collar to prevent him from picking at the wound; birds tend to self mutilate injuries such as this. It was imperative that we not allow this to happen or it could be a lifelong problem. He hated the collar but it was in his best interest.

Despite the seriousness of the injury Bwende exhibited a CAN DO attitude. Nothing was going to stop him from excelling. Valerie was very hands on with this little bird. He would sleep in her arms. The bond between them grew stronger and stronger.

On January 8, 2010, Bwende went in to have the remaining portion of his leg amputated. He seemed to become obsessed with the small amount of remaining leg and self mutilation was the concern. Valerie placed him in the incubator as Dr. Topor got ready to do surgery, Valerie said to him, “Bwende, you be a good boy. I will pick you up in the morning.” Bwende replied, “I gotta go.” Valerie then told him, “No, I gotta go. You have to stay.” Everybody laughed. This is very typical of our Bwende.

The surgery went well. Six weeks later the collar finally came off. Well, for 3 weeks it did, but unfortunately he started to self mutilate the wound. We had recently got him a larger cage and introduced him to the other birds. Although this was done over a period of a few weeks, we feel it was too much of a change for him. Bwende went back into the study where he is the only bird. He spends a lot of time with Valerie. The collar did finally come off and all is going well.

Bwende is an incredible talker as are most African Greys. He talks to all the other birds as well as people. His answers to Valerie’s questions and his comments are always appropriate to the situation. The statement has been made many times that he is just repeating what he hears however, he does understand much of what he says. Dr. Pepperberg proved that her African Grey, Alex had cognitive skills. Alex was able to identify shapes and colors. Bwende is the “Hall Monitor” of the house barking commands at the other birds and dogs. He is also very sweet as he calls out words of encouragement, “Good Girl” to our newest member of HSHAR, a Scarlet Macaw we named Macushi.

Due to the special bond between Bwende and Valerie, he has just been adopted by her. This incredible bird has captured her heart, how can one resist an enthusiastic "Good Morning" and "I Love You". HSHAR will still be able to use Bwende in their educational programs as he is vital member of the education team.

A very special thank you to Dr. Topor, Sean Dioca, Dr. Beckett, and all that helped ensure the survival of this special bird.