Rescue Spotlight
Each month, we shine a spotlight on a story of a rescue bird or birds, their journey to rescue and experiences in rescue, Not all of these are “feel good” stories, but each highlights the remarkable strength, resilience and courage of these amazing birds – and the love, commitment and devotion of the rescue organizations who serve them
Eli and Hammy - Reunited and Restored
Our February 2026 Rescue Spotlight shines on two amazing cockatoos.
Early in 2025, A Tropical Concept Exotic Bird Rescue embarked on an extraordinary journey of compassion and care. We had recently welcomed Hammy (short for “Mayhem” — could there be a better name for a Cockatoo?), a severely neglected and malnourished Umbrella Cockatoo. His initial veterinary exam diagnosed gout — exacerbated, as with so many companion parrots, by a lifetime diet of grocery-store seed.
In an amazing turn of events, a few months later, we learned that Hammy’s previous owner had passed away, leaving behind Hammy’s long-time flockmate, a 45-year-old Moluccan Cockatoo named Eli. We were thrilled to reunite them. Hammy immediately recognized his buddy. Watching them snuggle together, we were sure Hammy’s soft crooning translated to, “Don’t worry, Eli; we’re together again, and you’re going to feel better soon. I missed you, my friend.”
Eli’s medical condition was precarious — massive infection and severe liver compromise. Decades of substandard food and no veterinary care had taken their toll. Medications cleared the infection, and later, a mysterious head wound finally resolved.
But the good news: within months, Hammy was able to discontinue all medications. He is now a healthy, rambunctious Cockatoo — exactly what he always deserved to be. And he is very protective of Eli, which sometimes annoys Eli as he gets healthier – but that’s just what bratty kid brothers do.
Eli’s journey back to health is more complicated, but he is now a happy, active boy, deeply bonded to his foster human dad. His liver compromise remains a concern, but regular veterinary screenings and medications are keeping it relatively stable.
We at A Tropical Concept Exotic Bird Rescue are so grateful to have been able to reunite these precious souls. They needed each other. It has been a rough road for them, and although they still have a long journey ahead, they now have a super-healthy diet, proper veterinary care, and — most importantly — never-ending love, attention, and the assurance that they will never be parted again.
We are a tiny rescue with limited funds, and we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and generosity from the parrot community toward Hammy and Eli. Generous donors and bidders in online auctions raised over $1,500 in 2025 toward their veterinary care. Loving toy makers and friends have provided toys and enrichment items. The parrot world is truly a community of compassionate, dedicated people who love these amazing beings we call “parrots,” and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Hammy and Eli.
Rescuing birds like Eli and Hammy — who never knew love or enrichment — is profoundly important to us. Watching them bloom, both physically and emotionally, is the greatest joy in our lives.
If you would like to sponsor Eli and Hammy to help defray the cost of Eli’s ongoing medical treatment, call Kim Vallen at 602-366-0607. A Tropical Concept Exotic Bird Rescue is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, so your contribution is tax deductible.