The Cockatoos
Tonto
Tonto is a distinguished Umbrella Cockatoo, approximately 17 years old, who has found a temporary sanctuary in the care of Michael Bautsch, the Founder and CEO of The Georgia Aviary. Although the physical aviary is still under development, Tonto's vibrant personality continues to embody the spirit of our future endeavors. He joined Michael's household 7 years ago, necessitated by his previous human companion's departure for college, which led to a search for a home where he could receive the attentive companionship he deeply enjoys. Tonto is renowned for his exceptionally sociable nature, especially reveling in the joy of meeting new people, with a special affection for interacting with children. His love for social engagement not only exemplifies the interactive and educational goals of The Georgia Aviary but also highlights our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for birds like Tonto.
Baby Toussaint
Baby Toussaint, affectionately known as 'Baby,' is a delightful Male Galah Cockatoo, also recognized as a Rose-Breasted Cockatoo. Awaiting his 5th birthday on May 19, 2024, Baby's story with The Georgia Aviary, albeit in its nascent stages, began when he was merely two years old. His transition into the care of Michael Bautsch, the Founder and CEO of The Georgia Aviary, was necessitated by the ill health of his previous owner, who could no longer provide for him. Currently residing with Michael, Baby has flourished, revealing a deeply affectionate side, with a particular fondness for cuddles and enjoying the simple pleasure of head scratches. Known for his engaging curiosity, he often delights those around him with his favorite inquiry, 'Whatcha Doin',' embodying the interactive essence and compassionate spirit that The Georgia Aviary aims to promote. Baby's presence not only brings joy and companionship but also serves as a poignant reminder of the organization's dedication to offering a sanctuary for birds like him, emphasizing the importance of empathy and care within our community.
Wiggy
Wiggy, a female Umbrella Cockatoo, whose age is estimated to be around 27 years, represents a story of resilience and recovery within the care of The Georgia Aviary's founder, Michael Bautsch. With a past shrouded in mystery and marked by significant neglect, Wiggy's early life involved confinement in an inappropriately small cage, leading to a deep-seated depression and self-plucking behavior. Despite the scant details of her history, her arrival to Michael's care 7 years ago marked the beginning of a profound transformation. From the outset, Wiggy formed an immediate and exclusive bond with Michael, demonstrating a cautious demeanor towards others as a result of her previous experiences. Her companionship with Michael and another Umbrella Cockatoo, Tonto, underscores the importance of understanding and patience in the recovery of neglected animals. Remarkably, after five years of gentle coaxing, Wiggy has gradually opened up to receiving head scratches from Michael's wife and daughter, although she reserves the comfort of being held solely for Michael. Wiggy's journey is a testament to the healing that can occur in a nurturing environment, embodying the core values of The Georgia Aviary and its mission to provide a haven for birds like her.
Stevie
Stevie, a Female Umbrella Cockatoo of indeterminate age but believed to be over 20 years, joined the nascent community of The Georgia Aviary under the compassionate care of Michael Bautsch, following a poignant turn of events. Her previous home was shared with two other parrots, Jagger, a Congo African Grey, and Georgie, a Cockatiel, until the untimely demise of their human companion from cancer. With the family unable to provide for the parrots, they reached out to us, ensuring Stevie and her companions found a sanctuary. Stevie, characterized by her timidity, radiates a gentle spirit that endears her to all who meet her. Despite her shyness, she harbors a profound aversion to causing anyone harm, notably avoiding biting as a testament to her gentle nature. On occasions when she ventures from her cage, Stevie relishes in the comfort of cuddles and the affectionate gesture of head scratches. Her vocal expressions, particularly the phrases 'Hey Girl' and 'I Love You Girl,' not only add to her charm but also reflect the depth of connection she seeks with those around her. Stevie's story and demeanor exemplify the caring environment provided by The Georgia Aviary, emphasizing our commitment to nurturing and rehabilitating birds like her, fostering an atmosphere of love and trust.
The Macaws
McKay
McKay, a Female Blue & Gold Macaw, carries an aura of mystery regarding her age, though estimates suggest she is around 30 years old. Her journey to The Georgia Aviary unfolded through a serendipitous connection with our trusted veterinarian, who had been caring for McKay during a prolonged boarding period of a year, initially intended to last only two weeks. The necessity to undergo a legal process to reach her previous companion highlighted the complexities of her situation, during which McKay faced significant emotional challenges, manifesting in a habit of plucking and over-grooming. This has given her a distinctive, albeit ragged, appearance, a visual testament to her past struggles. Despite the nurturing environment provided since her arrival, McKay has continued to exhibit these behaviors. Nevertheless, she has formed a profound bond with Michael Bautsch, showcasing a level of trust and affection that illuminates her capacity for connection. McKay's demeanor is marked by possessiveness, exhibiting a preference for exclusivity in her interactions, which highlights the nuanced understanding required to care for birds with complex emotional landscapes. In good health, thanks to regular veterinary care, McKay's story is one of resilience, underscoring the Georgia Aviary's commitment to providing a haven for birds, regardless of their past, and emphasizing the importance of patience, love, and specialized attention in their rehabilitation.
Rainbow
Rainbow, a Male Scarlett Macaw, brings a spectrum of joy and color to The Georgia Aviary at approximately 30 years of age. His arrival was precipitated by a turn of fate when his previous family, unfortunately, lost their home, leading to a well-intentioned neighbor taking up his care amidst her canine rescue efforts. Understanding the inherent challenges of housing dogs and parrots together—given the natural predator-prey dynamic—she reached out to us, ensuring Rainbow found a safe haven tailored to his needs. Rainbow embodies a serene and gentle disposition, defying his robust appearance with a surprisingly tender nature. Although he may sometimes display a façade of toughness, he has never bitten anyone, showcasing his affable temperament. Unique among his fellow residents, Rainbow is less vocal but possesses an acute ability to communicate through expressive body language, demonstrating the diverse ways in which parrots interact with their environment and caregivers. His presence at The Georgia Aviary not only highlights our commitment to providing refuge for birds in need but also enriches our understanding of the nuanced behaviors and emotional intelligence within the avian world.
The Amazons
Pickles
Pickles, a Female Red-Crowned Amazon of indeterminate age, embodies a remarkable survival story and a significant piece of avian history within The Georgia Aviary's nurturing environment. Her adventure began in a moment of peril, being chased by a hawk, until her rescue by attentive passersby after she sought refuge in a bush. This sequence of events led to her care by our dedicated veterinarian and eventually to finding a home with us, where Board member Maryanne Bautsch warmly named her Pickles. Interestingly, the Red-Crowned Amazon, like Pickles, holds a unique place in ornithological records as the only known non-extinct parrot species native to the United States, with a range extending from Northern Mexico into Southern Texas. This discovery underscores the species' significance, especially considering the Carolina Parakeet—the only other known native parrot—was declared extinct in the early 1900s. Pickles, believed to be young based on her coloring and behavior, is still learning the nuances of interaction, such as stepping up without nipping, but she enjoys the affection of those around her once she's comfortable. Her favorite phrase, 'Peek-a-Boo,' not only showcases her playful spirit but also her readiness to connect with her human caregivers. Through Pickles' story, The Georgia Aviary celebrates not just the resilience of one bird but also highlights the critical importance of conservation and understanding of native avian species.
Choco
Choco, a Male Panama Amazon, born in the spring of 1995, brings nearly three decades of history and personality to The Georgia Aviary. His life journey began alongside a devoted companion in Georgia, but circumstances shifted when his human had to relocate to Puerto Rico. Given the stringent regulations surrounding animal transport and a deep concern for Choco's well-being, it was decided that he would stay behind under the care of a beloved elderly neighbor. This arrangement lasted until her unfortunate passing, at which point Choco's original companion, maintaining a vigilant watch over him, facilitated Choco's transition to our care through our trusted veterinarian. Choco, named after the indigenous Chocó tribe of Panama, thus began a new chapter with us, where he has since found camaraderie among our diverse avian residents. Although he exhibits initial reluctance to leave his cage, Choco's warm and sociable nature shines through once he ventures out, proving himself to be a cherished companion. His story not only highlights the complexities of parrot ownership and the importance of responsible care but also enriches the fabric of our aviary community, demonstrating our commitment to providing a safe and loving environment for birds like Choco.