Can't believe I get to work with this guy!

[OrnithAudrey]

So my boss surprised me with this stunning boy! Needless to say, I am beyond excited to work with him and also happy to have the opportunity to nurse him back, so to speak. Long story short, he just got out of a rather unfortunate situation and is in need of some TLC, so he will now be permanently under my care. My first day with him went great. He is by far the sweetest, most gentle bird I have ever encountered and enjoyed what I'm assuming was his first bath (at least in a long, long time) based on his feather condition and dustiness. Anyways, here's Bayju, a 10 year old Black palm cockatoo!

 

[DexMom]

OMG - he is super gorgeous! You have to share lots of pictures!

 

[thekarens]

Absolutely stunning! What a fantastic bird!

 

[itchyfeet]

Check out that beak! Very awesome bird!

 

[chris-md]

What a beauty! Lucky you!

 

[OrnithAudrey]

I will gladly share lots of pictures of my handsome boy! He is absolutely fascinating, unlike anything I've worked with. He's much lighter and soft footed than I expected and his vocalizations are something prehistoric.

 

[OOwl]

Wow, your boss really has great taste in birds! What an amazing collection. I haven't read all your other posts, but I thought I recalled reading they were on display at their place of business. Is that right? Lucky you to get to spend so much time with such magnificent animals. Thank you for sharing the experience with everyone.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Wow absolutely amazed to see one of these! Yes please will add my pleas to more photos. He's a lovely bird, hope he is happy and in good hands now.

 

[Mamaof3]

He is beautiful! I had a chance to come across these beautiful bird and a store that was there was boarding. He was having a grand time walking around everywhere.

 

[Christinenc2000]

WOW you are so so lucky. Keep us updated.

 

[OrnithAudrey]

Wow, your boss really has great taste in birds! What an amazing collection. I haven't read all your other posts, but I thought I recalled reading they were on display at their place of business. Is that right? Lucky you to get to spend so much time with such magnificent animals. Thank you for sharing the experience with everyone.

Yes, that is correct. It's actually really difficult to explain to people because the reaction is always, "Umm...what?!," when I try and explain my job. Haha I never even knew about them until they asked if I was interested in coming in for an interview to be an animal caretaker/trainer (my background is in zoology/wildlife & fisheries science). I was in the market for a new job, went in, saw the birds and said sign me up! I'm fortunate in that all of the animal facilities at my job are top notch because I was admittedly skeptical, but it's been a pleasant surprise and I get to spend all day working and playing with animals I would otherwise only dream of meeting!

 

[Anansi]

What a beautiful bird! And it's great he seems to have already taken to you. Make sure to send lots of pics of this guy, as well as the others under your care. How many are you responsible for at this point?

 

[ToMang07]

Wow, incredible bird! That is awesome! Please PLEASE more pics!

 

[Birdman666]

He is beautiful.

From what I understand, behavior wise they are in many ways closer to macaws than large toos. Less needy, more playful.

 

[Scott]

What a stunning Too!! Hope we will see more pics and learn of his progress!!

 

[Allee]

Thank you for sharing a photo of your magnificent new friend! Looking forward to more photos and progress reports. It sounds like he was meant to meet you.

 

[RavensGryf]

Lucky you! can't wait to hear more and see more pics!

 

[OrnithAudrey]

What a beautiful bird! And it's great he seems to have already taken to you. Make sure to send lots of pics of this guy, as well as the others under your care. How many are you responsible for at this point?

At the location I'm responsible for, bird wise, I only have four at the moment. However, we have three different locations with animals and we alternate/fill in as needed, so we can try to maintain relationships with all of them. All together, we have 1 toco and 2 keel billed toucans, 4 amazons, 2 rainbow lorikeets, 2 caiques, 1 BP2, 1 M2, 1 MM2, 1 T2, 1 CAG, and about 10 macaws. Sadly, we get a lot of dumped birds (usually macs) and some of them are rescues.

 

[OrnithAudrey]

He is beautiful.

From what I understand, behavior wise they are in many ways closer to macaws than large toos. Less needy, more playful.

Based on my first few days with him, I would agree with that. He is really fun to play with too! Seeing him start dancing, turning bright red and doing his unique little whistling tune is something else.

 

[OrnithAudrey]

Some more pics: