A Few of our Forever Flock
(not adoptable)
“The bird knows where it belongs, and will never fly to a wrong nest.”
—Michael Bassey Johnson
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Behold some of SBBS's Avian Ambassadors! These representatives from a variety of parrot species are our teachers and our story tellers. Some remain a mystery while others are open books. Some are wise beyond their years. Others are here forever because of special needs. Each has personality and talent. Each has a discerning eye that sees right through you and pierces your heart. SBBS incorporates the Ambassadors in educational programs and special events. All they ask of us is a safe haven and nurturing care.
Buddha
Black Palm Cockatoo
Hatched: pre-1965
You are now in the presence of well-travelled royalty! Buddha once belonged to the Shah of Iran’s sister before she passed away. Twenty-five years ago, Buddha arrived at Jamie’s doorstep on the brink of death. She nursed him back to good health, andhe has been vibrant and full of vitality ever since. Don’t be fooled by his imposing appearance and powerful vise-like beak. He is really a soft-souled, gentle sweetheart. He loves macadamia nuts and says things like, “Uh-oh, Wow, and Hello.” Sometimes he even barks like a Chihuahua.
Sponsor Buddha
Doodle
Moluccan Cockatoo
Hatched: Unknown
The Sanctuary’s super heroine wears a custom-made Kevlar vest for protection against herself. Doodle was abandoned in a cage outside of the Santa Barbara Zoo in 2002. Stress led her to pluck out her feathers and mutilate her chest. The tiny vest is essential to her rehabilitation. Now friendly and sweet, this special needs girl gets lots of attention from volunteers and visitors. She is apt to give a new hairdo to anyone who takes the time to play with her. Like any party animal, she can get fussy when it’s time to return to her cage and settle down. If life in the Sanctuary gets a little too quiet, she often whistles “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
Sponsor Doodle
Darby
Goffin’s Cockatoo
Hatched: 1990
Darby generally prefers men to women and fancies herself a man’s lady. Because her last owners did not give her nutritious food, companionship, or the room she needed, Darby plucked out her feathers. She needs families to support her in our “Forever Flock” sponsorship program for her expensive hormone therapy and ongoing care. In our loving supportive Sanctuary environment, Darby has become confident enough to be a little bossy, playful with toys with straws, and to call out, “Hi, Weeeeeeeee, and Yay!”
Sponsor Darby
Babu
Congo African Grey
Hatched: pre -1984
A most dignified parrot with a dry sense of humor, Babu takes great pride in training humans to imitate his plethora of sounds. He feels most superior when people are unable to effectively imitate his noises, such as door creaks and water drops. Babu’s other favorite activity is dancing. Whether a rhythmic beat or a particular cellphone ringtone, he dances and bobs to the music he likes.
Sponsor Babu
Scarlett
Scarlet Macaw
Hatched: pre-2001
This Southern belle once lived with an aging mad scientist and his collection of exotic animals. There, Scarlett injured her wing, it healed poorly, and she is now unable to fly. Named after Scarlett O’Hara, the impetuous beauty in the novel and movie Gone With The Wind, our Scarlett is one gorgeous bird. Her
red-hot personality is kept in check with consistent nurturing and feathered-friend companionship. Her best friend is Bako, a Blue & Gold Macaw.
Sponsor Scarlett
Rosie
Green-winged Macaw
Hatched: 1986
Magnificent Rosie is a beautiful, loving bird with a big appetite. She will eat all day long if allowed. Rosie has a special relationship with her neighbor, the fierce-looking but gentle Buddha. Together they star in our live educational shows.
Sponsor Rosie
Chico
Harlequin Macaw
Hatched: 2005
This mighty Macaw’s personality is as bright as his colors. Incredibly intelligent, Chico might ask you, “What’s your name?” and “How are you?” And he does expect an answer. He knows many of the Sanctuary staff by name, often calling out for Gordo and Caty to visit with him.
Sponsor Chico
Sammy
Moluccan Cockatoo
Hatched: 1987
Once a free flight bird, Sammy used to land on strangers by the beaches of Santa Barbara. He loves saying,“Come on, Sammy,” a phrase his previous owner used to call him home.
Sponsor Sammy
Bobby Houdini
Sulphur Crested Cockatoo
Hatched: 1983
Meet our resident escape artist! Given the chance, Bobby Houdini craftily finds his way out of the cage and releases his birdie buddies for after-hour parties. For security's sake, Bobby must stay in his cage unless he is supervised when socializing with visitors and feathered friends. Always hungry for attention, this accomplished break dancer shows off and amazes audiences in our Avian Ambassador shows. And, of course, what is Bobby’s favorite catchphrase to say and hear back? “You are such a good bird.”
Sponsor Bobby Houdini
Kona
Yellow-Naped Amazon
Hatched: 1980
As one of our official greeters, Kona takes great joy in welcoming visitors. She played a cameo role in the PBS Nature Series documentary, Parrot Confidential. In August 2017, at nearly 40 years old, Kona suffered a stroke. Recognizing her symptoms of leg paralysis and extreme vertigo, we rushed her to an avian veterinarian specialist. After spending time in the ICU, she came home on several medications. After a few months of rehabilitation, including daily leg massages, Kona has vastly improved and remains in great spirits!
Sponsor Kona
Elvis
Citron Cockatoo
Hatched: 1999
“The King” has the best crest in the hood.
Sponsor Elvis
Kiwi
Meyer's Parrot
Hatched: 1998
Kiwi is our little intelligent spy who goes incognito beneath newspapers. She is also a bit self-involved, staring for hours at her own reflection. Kiwi has a unique mannerism in which she lifts and rolls her foot inward, making it look like a fist. If other parrots, large or small, try to invade her favorite
play area, the patio table, she will chase them
down and show that fist as they retreat. Still,
Kiwi is a sweetie and a delight to be around.
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Sponsor Kiwi
“Boys in the Hood”
Hi! We are the members of “The Boys in the Hood.” Why? Our macho attitudes, of course. Each of us has been adopted three times (or more), only to be returned for loud and aggressive behavior. Three strikes and you are lifers here at the Sanctuary. However, we are happy here, all together in our spacious aviary. Come see us, and we will sweetly offer our heads to be petted. Be forewarned: We may try to turn and bite you! We also might stealthily reach out of our cage to tug at your clothes or steal your stuff. Look out for your keys and jewelry. We do love visitors!
Kali
Moluccan Cockatoo
Hatched: 1994
Kali’s showy personality is as loud as his high-pitched squawk. A sucker for shiny objects, he might try to swipe your keys and jewelry if they’re visible! Since he’s already the king of the aviary, he has no need to worry about the other male Cockatoos. But he won’t think twice about biting a human male when given the opportunity.
Sponsor Kali
Ko
Umbrella Cockatoo
Hatched: 1993
Give this bird an inch, and he thinks he’s a ruler.
This macho dude likes to be large and in charge. He has also been known to have a bit of a potty mouth. When something upsets Ko, he marks
his turf by stomping the dirt on the floor of the aviary and swearing loudly. His best mate is Misha, who is also an Umbrella Cockatoo.
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Sponsor Ko
