Can a One-Eyed Flightless Parrot Thrive in Its New Adapted Home?

A one-eyed flightless African Grey parrot named Monica has been provided with a specially-adapted aviary at Hoo Zoo in Telford, designed to cater to her unique needs. Following her recent eye loss due to illness, the new setup includes low-level perches and a cat flap for easy access, allowing her to stay close to her feathered friends while enjoying a comfortable environment.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Monica's new home at Hoo Zoo has been tailored specifically to accommodate her after she lost her eye. The care and thought put into adapting her aviary highlight the zoo's commitment to the well-being of its animals. This modification allows Monica to thrive despite her challenges, ensuring she remains an integral part of her parrot community.

Key takeaways

• Monica, an African Grey parrot, lost her eye due to illness.
• Hoo Zoo has adapted her aviary to include low perches and a cat flap.
• The design supports her needs while enhancing the living conditions for other parrots.

Timeline: how we got here

Monica has been at Hoo Zoo for several years, but her journey took a significant turn earlier this year when she fell ill and lost her eye. The need for adapting her living space arose shortly after her recovery, leading to the recent renovations aimed at improving her quality of life.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The newly adapted aviary features low down perches and a cat flap to allow Monica ease of access while ensuring she can remain with her flock. The zoo has also introduced deep bark mulch to encourage natural behaviours like scratching and digging.

What was already established

Before her recent adaptations, Monica was already a beloved resident of Hoo Zoo. The zoo staff had been attentive to her needs following her illness, and her previous condition of having pinioned wings meant she could not fly, necessitating a different approach to her care.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For families and animal lovers in the UK, stories like Monica's highlight the importance of animal welfare and the lengths zoos will go to ensure the well-being of their residents. It fosters a sense of community and awareness around the care of exotic pets and wildlife.

Businesses and jobs

Hoo Zoo's efforts not only enhance the lives of their animals but also reflect positively on the zoo's reputation, attracting visitors who are interested in animal welfare. This, in turn, supports local jobs and the wider economy through increased footfall and tourism.

Policy and regulation

Animal welfare regulations in the UK require that zoos provide appropriate habitats for their residents. Monica's case underscores the importance of these regulations, as it exemplifies a proactive approach to meeting the needs of animals with disabilities.

Numbers that matter

• 1: The number of eyes Monica now has after her illness.
• 5: Years Monica has spent at Hoo Zoo.
• 1: The special cat flap installed in her aviary.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Pinioned: A method used to prevent birds from flying by cutting the wing feathers.
• Aviary: A large enclosure for confining birds, allowing them to fly in a controlled environment.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Visitors to Hoo Zoo can expect to see Monica in her new aviary, with staff monitoring her adaptation to the environment and ensuring her comfort.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Monica settles into her new home, the zoo will evaluate her behaviour and health, making adjustments as necessary to her living space and overall care.

Signals to watch

• Visitor feedback on Monica's new aviary and how it affects her behaviour.
• Updates from Hoo Zoo regarding her health and well-being.

Practical guidance

Do

• Visit Hoo Zoo to learn more about animal care and welfare.
• Support local zoos that prioritise the health and happiness of their animals.

Don’t

• Neglect the needs of pets or animals that may have disabilities.
• Assume all animals in captivity are kept in suitable environments without proper checks.

Checklist

• Consider what adaptations may be needed for pets with disabilities.
• Research local animal welfare guidelines and zoo practices.
• Engage with your community about the importance of animal care.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the adaptations have been beneficial for Monica, there are potential uncertainties regarding her long-term health and how she will continue to adapt to her environment. Each animal's response can vary, and ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure her well-being is maintained.

Bottom line

Monica's new aviary at Hoo Zoo represents a thoughtful and necessary adaptation to enhance her quality of life after losing her eye. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to animal welfare in the UK, showcasing how zoos can provide supportive environments for animals with special needs.

FAQs

What adaptations were made for Monica the parrot?

Monica's aviary was adapted with low perches and a cat flap for easy access, ensuring she can thrive despite her challenges.

How long has Monica been at Hoo Zoo?

Monica has been a resident of Hoo Zoo for over five years, establishing a bond with the staff and other animals.

What is the significance of the new aviary design?

The design not only meets Monica's needs but also enhances the living space for the entire flock, allowing for more opportunities for flight and play.