Rescue Spotlight
Throughout the year, we shine a spotlight on a story of a rescue bird or birds, their journey to rescue and experiences in rescue. 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.
Rescue Takes Many Forms
When we hear the word “rescue”, we usually think of the dedicated people and organizations who give parrots a second chance – places like the Oasis Sanctuary and A Tropical Concept Exotic Bird Rescue. But sometimes rescue takes a different form.
April 2026 Rescue Spotlight is a story of one bird helping another – of connection, communication and quiet compassion.
Read how Cracker gave Rosebud independence and a quality of life she never could have imagined.
Cracker and Rosebud
Congo African Gray Firecracker, “Cracker” for short, is my thinker. He will turn 31 this year and we have been together since he was a baby.
Years ago, someone left a cockatiel at my front door. Rosebud was in a tall, round, broken, filthy cage. I immediately took her to the vet, who determined that she was blind, probably due to walking in feces and rubbing her face. Quarantine, medication, small parakeet cage worked wonders. I finally found a bigger, wide cage to replace the parakeet cage and put low perches and toys with bells to help her navigate.
When I put her in the bigger cage, she was uncertain. At first, she was unsure. I watched her struggle to orient herself to the new space.
Cracker to the Rescue
Then, something incredible happened – All of a sudden, Cracker started making cockatiel sounds. “Great,” I thought, “just what I need.”
But then I realized Cracker was watching Rosebud. And Rosebud was listening to Cracker.
She moved directly to her food bowl and then to her water bowl. I am positive Cracker was telling her where her food and water were. I just sat there, amazed that I was witnessing something so special – the two of them communicating in a way I never could understand fully.
Even now, years later, every once in a while Cracker will still make cockatiel sounds and chirps.
Animals talk to us – we just need to listen.
Josi Dautel