Three Macaws. Three New Beginnings. Three Names Waiting to Be Found.
Three macaws rescued from severe neglect are beginning a new chapter at The Georgia Aviary and we want you to help us give them names.
Name suggestions are FREE and open August 15–22.
MORE THAN A NAME
For far too long, these birds were defined by what happened to them. Now, we want to celebrate where they're going. A name recognizes each macaw as an individual—with her own personality, preferences, needs and future. By helping us choose their names, our community gets to become part of their new beginning.
MEET THE GIRLS
Blue-and-yellow Macaw
When she arrived: Severe feather loss from self-mutilation, overgrown beak and nails and visibly soiled feathers. She was frightened but trusting.
Today: Her beak has been corrected by careful trimming, she's eating and active, and seeks out human interaction. Veterinarians believe she is the oldest of the three macaws.
Large Hybrid Macaw
When she arrived: She was at the very bottom of her healthy weight range. She was also fearful and guarded.
Today: She is steadily gaining weight, growing more confident, and beginning to explore and engage with enrichment.
Small Hybrid Macaw
When She Arrived: At only 700 grams, she was dangerously underweight and in need of life saving care. She also has severe impairment affecting both feet, making ordinary activities like moving around and accessing food much more challenging. Her veterinary team also identified a heart murmur. The little girl was too weak to run or even fight.
Today: She eagerly accepts recovery formula and pellets and receives medication, nutritional support, daily weight monitoring, and accommodations adapted specifically to her physical needs. She remains medically fragile, but her care team is committed to giving her every opportunity to feel safe and comfortable. Her disability is part of her story, but it doesn't define who she is.
HOW TO SUGGEST A NAME
1. Visit The Georgia Aviary on Facebook.
Find the official naming post pinned to the top of our page.
2. Leave your suggestion in the comments.
You can suggest a name for one bird or all three.
3. Tell us why you chose it.
A story isn't required, but we'd love to hear what inspired your suggestion.
4. Share the campaign.
Invite your friends and family to participate too.
Name suggestions are open August 15–22.
No donation is required to submit a name.
AUGUST 15–22 — SUGGEST
Submit name ideas for free on Facebook.
AUGUST 23–25 — FINALISTS
The Executive Committee selects finalists.
AUGUST 26–SEPTEMBER 15 — VOTE & SUPPORT
The public votes for the finalists while helping raise money for the macaws' ongoing care.
SEPTEMBER 18 — MEET THEM BY NAME
The winning names are announced.
Investigation Note
The Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division is leading the ongoing investigation. Our focus is where it belongs: on the health, welfare, and future of the birds entrusted to our care.
FAQ
Does it cost anything to suggest a name?
No. Suggesting a name during the first stage is completely free. Leave your suggestions in the comments on the original pinned naming post on The Georgia Aviary’s Facebook page by August 22.
Can I suggest names for all three?
Yes. You may suggest a name for one macaw, two macaws or all three. Please identify which bird each name is for: the Blue-and-yellow Macaw, the larger Harlequin hybrid or the smaller Maui Sunrise hybrid.
Can I submit more than one suggestion?
Yes. You may submit multiple ideas, but please keep them organized and avoid repeatedly posting the same suggestion. During the suggestion stage, repeated comments and the number of likes a suggestion receives will not count as votes.
How are finalists chosen?
After suggestions close, The Georgia Aviary’s Executive Committee will review the eligible submissions and select a small group of finalists for each macaw. Names will be evaluated for appropriateness, meaning, originality and how well they reflect each bird’s personality and new beginning. The most-liked suggestion will not automatically become a finalist.
How does final voting work?
Public voting among the finalist names is scheduled to begin August 26. The final round will be a donation-powered vote, with each contribution supporting the macaws’ veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, specialized housing and lifelong care. Complete voting instructions and participation levels will be posted when the finalists are announced.
When will the names be announced?
The winning names are scheduled to be revealed on September 18. Follow The Georgia Aviary on Facebook and our other social-media channels so you do not miss the announcement or updates about the birds’ recovery.
Can I donate without participating?
Absolutely. You may support the macaws without suggesting a name or voting. Every contribution helps The Georgia Aviary provide specialized veterinary care, proper nutrition, safe housing, enrichment and the long-term commitment these birds deserve.