Featured Volunteer: Sarah Zahid

Article from “The Mickaboo Bird Rescue Companion”
Published October, 2024

By the Editor

Mickaboo is a totally volunteer-run organization. In this article, we feature Sarah, shown at right with some of the many birds with whom she shares her home. We appreciate Sarah's work on behalf of the many birds she has benefitted!

In late 2023, Sarah lost her cockatiel, Luna, who flew out an open door. In her search for Luna, she contacted every local veterinarian, shelter, and rescue organization. This is how Sarah found Mickaboo.

Learning about Mickaboo’s mission inspired her to help other parrots in need. To honor Luna and her passion for parrots, she decided to volunteer with Mickaboo. In the short time she has been with Mickaboo, she has taken on transportation, home visits, assisting with a toy-making party, helping new bird people understand parrot behavior, and working behind the scenes with the summer auction. She is also fostering Lillie, a juvenile Indian Ringneck, and Nai'a, a two-year-old Green Cheek Conure.

Lillie was an unweaned baby ringneck surrendered to Mickaboo via the Silicon Valley Animal Shelter. Lillie was put into Sarah's care due to her hand-feeding experience. She followed a 4-6 hour feeding schedule for 3-4 weeks until Lillie started eating on her own. Nai’a needed a foster home too, so Sarah welcomed her into her home flock as well. These birds were her first experiences with their species. She is fascinated by how much they teach her and how they challenge her to try different approaches to bird care. Though Sarah had a flock of four budgies and two cockatiels before joining Mickaboo, fostering these new birds has expanded her knowledge and deepened her passion for parrot care.

She has enjoyed conducting home visits, finding inspiration in observing dedicated parrot owners and engaging in conversations with those new to bird care. What she enjoys most about being part of Mickaboo is connecting with fellow bird enthusiasts and collaborating with the administrative team. She has already learned a great deal and continues to improve her own bird care while sharing this knowledge with others.

Here is what Sarah says about volunteering with Mickaboo:

"If you're considering volunteering with Mickaboo, I highly encourage you to join. The experience is incredibly rewarding, both personally and in terms of the impact you can make on the lives of parrots in need. Mickaboo provides a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for bird care and welfare.

There are many volunteering opportunities where you can contribute your unique genius and creativity. You can use social media to showcase foster parrots, provide tech support, assist with communications, write newsletters, engage in outreach and education, and more. Each role is vital and offers a chance to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections.

Volunteering with Mickaboo not only enriches your life but also significantly improves the lives of the birds you help. Your involvement can make a real difference, and you'll be part of a team dedicated to the well-being of these wonderful creatures.

And the above, is my personal endorsement."

[Editor's note: learn more about volunteering and contact us about doing so here! ]