Trina's Journey

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

By Giselle Stancic

Mickaboo's commitment to avian rescue and rehabilitation goes beyond our Mickaboo flock; we often partner with other animal rescues and conservation groups to help birds in need. Recently, a Mickaboo volunteer alerted our Macaw Team about a blue-throated macaw, named Trina, at the Monterey County SPCA. While we have a shortage of foster homes available for macaws, we still reached out to the SPCA to see if they needed any assistance. We learned that they were managing the situation for the time being and Trina appeared to be in good health. However, blue-throated macaws are a critically endangered species, and at one point were thought to be extinct in the wild. (Learn more about these beautiful birds at abcbirds.org.)

Trina’s special status presented challenges in deciding what would be best for her in the long term. Balancing the needs of an individual bird within the context of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) was not an easy task, so Mickaboo reached out to other members of the Parrot Conservation Alliance for advice. Ultimately, the SPCA decided that Trina should be moved to a home affiliated with a U.S. Fish and Wildlife licensed facility, which would be able to meet her emotional and long-term needs.

Although we could not offer Trina a foster home ourselves, our amazing Mickaboo volunteers came together and coordinated a three-person transportation train for the nearly 200-mile trip.

Trina made the journey comfortably, and she made a lot of new friends on the way. Offers of fresh fruit, toys, and quiet encouragement revealed that she was a sweet bird who longed for stability and human interaction. She is adjusting to her calmer surroundings, and although she was labeled hard to handle, with the proper care and understanding Trina has shown herself to be an incredibly sweet and affectionate bird. As one of our Mickaboo volunteers said, "I'm so happy she was able to get quickly settled into a forever, experienced home.”

Blue throated macaw in carrier Trina is also getting the veterinary care she needs. She has previous injuries that do not allow her a full range of motion, so she will need special handling, cage set up, and help with grooming for the rest of her life. She will live as an ambassador for her species, and sharing her story teaches us all about the importance of protecting these incredibly rare and beautiful birds.

Mickaboo is dedicated to helping birds like Trina as part of our commitment to the welfare of individual companion parrots and avian conservation efforts. Please consider donating so we can continue offering hope and healing to the many birds that need our help. You can also learn more about adoption and meet our wonderful Mickaboo birds on our website.

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Trina's Journey