This month’s Rescue Spotlight shines on all the birds at the Oasis Sanctuary receiving medical care.
Currently, 77 parrots in their care receive daily medical care for chronic health conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. Others are battling more acute challenges including infections, injuries, strokes, and neurological disorders. Many of these birds arrived at the sanctuary after years of inadequate nutrition, neglected medical care, or difficult living situations that left lasting impacts on their health.
Every day, dedicated caregivers monitor each bird for subtle changes in body condition, droppings, appetite, mobility, and behavior. These observations are often the first indication that a bird may be experiencing pain, illness, or a worsening medical condition. Because parrots instinctively hide signs of sickness, early detection can mean the difference between life and death.
Tangi is one of the birds given a healthy life at the Oasis.
A beloved Moluccan Cockatoo and longtime member of the Girls’ Cockatoo Aviary flock, Tangi always has been known for her spirited personality. She loved the outdoor flight, whooping it up with her girlfriends and participating in all the joyful ruckus that cockatoos seem to create wherever they go.
Last winter, Oasis caregivers noticed something was different.
Tangi had become more subdued. She wasn’t joining in the flock’s daily antics with her usual enthusiasm. She was quieter, less active, and simply not herself. For a parrot, these subtle changes can be important warning signs that something is wrong.
A physical examination revealed a mass on her wing, prompting a visit to an avian veterinarian. Diagnostic X-rays uncovered an additional mass on her preen gland at the base of her tail. A biopsy and CT scan followed, confirming the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in both locations.
The news was frightening, but there was hope.
The diagnostic testing also revealed that the cancer had not spread beyond the two masses. Armed with that information, surgeons were able to move quickly. To save Tangi’s life, the cancerous preen gland and her tail were surgically removed. The second tumor, located on her wing, was successfully excised with clear margins, allowing Tangi to keep her wing.
Today, Tangi is adapting beautifully, feeling well, and once again showing us how much she enjoys life. Throughout her recovery these past months, she was the absolute perfect patient. This precious girl gave just as many snuggles as she got.
Her story is one of resilience, expert veterinary care, and the unwavering commitment made to every parrot who calls The Oasis home.