Cockatoos kept in a school, looks bad

[sofiaee]

Hi there, someone posted this picture and description on tumblr. I messaged the OP and she just got back to me. As of now I don't know the location/information of the school but she's going to give it to me when she gets home. But even if I did have it I'm not really sure what I'd do with it? When I get it I'll post it here and hopefully someone here can help.

Description: "Does this bird look like it’s being properly cared for? It’s picking out its feathers and running in circles, and it doesn’t look like it has enough food. It’s in a small cage, and it needs to duck its head in order to move freely on the bottom of the cage. I think it’s a Moluccan Cockatoo, and overall it just looks and sounds unhappy. Opinions?

It’s also being kept in a high school, and as a result I don’t think it gets any attention on the weekends, and during the week I’m not sure how often it’s cared for. There are 4 other cockatoos (though this guy is both the largest and the most visibly distraught) and there are ~5 parrots as well, some of which are in better conditions than others."

Post Location

*EDIT* This is where the birds are located:
http://www.kellenberg.org/ is the school and is located in Uniondale, New York

 

[KimKim]

So sad, once you get the location, maybe you can go see for yourself. Then call animal control or talk to the school to find out who is responsible for the poor bird.

 

[sofiaee]

Well i mean, if it's out of state I definitely wont be able to visit in person

 

[sofiaee]

I just don't know how their caretaker isn't ashamed of their care :/

 

[KimKim]

Oh, ok, I thought it was loa l to you but you just didn't know what school.

 

[BillsBirds]

Whatever city it, and the others, are in, someone should report it to the SPCA or Humane Society. If not the local authority where the school is, then they will contact the appropriate authority. This is unacceptable, and those birds need immediate attention.

 

[MomtoPercy]

What I find most shocking is that this is happening at a school - a place that is full of different people. Is there not ONE person in that entire school that gives a sh*t over the conditions these birds live in? How can everyone just walk by and do nothing?! I would imagine a lot of people could be held responsible for animal cruelty. Even the students - they're in high school for pete's sake, they're not babies anymore!
Please contact the local authorities once you know which school it is.
So upsetting!

 

[sofiaee]

Okay, this is the schools website : Kellenberg Memorial High School

The school is located in Uniondale, New York.

Yeah I'm also shocked no one has ever done anything about it yet. The woman who posted about it was actually just visiting the school for the first time that day when she took the picture.

I've never dealt with this sorta thing before but I'll try and contact the right people. If anyone has any guidance or feels they can do more please do!

 

[MikeyTN]

You find out the school it's in and let us know. Its very shamful on the school part to allow large parrots to be kept at a school like that!

 

[sofiaee]

It's called Kellenberg Memorial High School.

So I'm very confused, where can a report be filed? It seems only New York City and New Jersey has Human Societies. I kind of wish the lady who saw them in person would file a report since I can't give any more info than what she's written...

 

[MikeyTN]

OMG a Catholic school out of all schools.....

 

[drlisaort]

Too sad....

 

[sofiaee]

Okay I emailed someone but I'm not sure how much they will be able to do. Hopefully at the least they can pass it on to someone in the area

 

[Kiwibird]

What business exactly does a high school have keeping large parrots on campus?! What class would possibly require having highly intelligent and potentially dangerous animals living at the school? Perhaps a one time presentation could be justifiable, but not an on-campus zoo! That poor bird does not look properly cared for, and am sure the birds get harassed terribly from the students who know nothing about them.

I am not sure who the proper authority would be, but I would start with the local animal control office (in charge of animal welfare) or the local humane society. If none of those outlets work, then I would bring the issue to the attention of the local news, stir up a little controversy and bring this issue to light. Catholic schools (which is what this one is, if you check out there website) have prohibitive tuition, and ANY kind of controversy that puts them in a bad light will get resolved sooner than later. I hope these birds get rehomed into loving, family homes with people who love and understand their needs.

 

[Mike17]

What business exactly does a high school have keeping large parrots on campus?! What class would possibly require having highly intelligent and potentially dangerous animals living at the school? Perhaps a one time presentation could be justifiable, but not an on-campus zoo! That poor bird does not look properly cared for, and am sure the birds get harassed terribly from the students who know nothing about them.

I am not sure who the proper authority would be, but I would start with the local animal control office (in charge of animal welfare) or the local humane society. If none of those outlets work, then I would bring the issue to the attention of the local news, stir up a little controversy and bring this issue to light. Catholic schools (which is what this one is, if you check out there website) have prohibitive tuition, and ANY kind of controversy that puts them in a bad light will get resolved sooner than later. I hope these birds get rehomed into loving, family homes with people who love and understand their needs.

What about a direct approach to the school? Their contact (phone, email) details would be on the website, one assumes. It would be better to approach them first, anyway- they might not be aware of the situation regarding the birds, if they are ignorant of their proper care, than go to the media.

Threats to enrolments wouldn't work so well in Oz, ALL private schools are subsidised by taxpayers.

 

[cockatiel2]

Poor cockatoos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Echo]

I'm 2 1/2 hrs away from there...anyone even closer? I'm willing to help.

 

[Kalidasa]

Oh nooooo! A high school? Omg that poor bird being sentenced to life in a high school. That is a crime. How sad.

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

It's strange how "unedcuated" you can be in a place of education. They should know better than to keep an animal under such circumstances. I hope at the very least someone can talk to a person with some sense over there.

 

[sofiaee]

The person I emailed is the director/person in charge of a nearby humane society. But I really urge you guys to send out all the emails/phone calls you have time for as well whether it's to the school or if you can manage to find more animal welfare organizations in the area. I've been super swamped with schoolwork and living so far away emails and getting the word out are the most I can really do.

I think it would be great if emailing whoever is in charge of the birds at school would work but I kind of can't believe that would help? It seems like if they cared it would have happened already. You don't need to be a bird expert to recognize how severe this birds psychological issues are (Plucking, walking in circles, repetitive behaviors).