Boatswain’s Beach saves injured female Cayman Parrot
Boatswain’s Beach is now the new home for one very fortunate female Cayman Parrot, affectionately named Sweet Pea. Sweet Pea had been captured from the wild and had consequently suffered injuries that would make it unlikely for her to survive in the wild again.
She was found by a member of the public after being hit by a car. She appeared to have escaped her captors as she was found with a piece of rope still tied to her leg. She was subsequently taken to the West Bay Police Station and handed over to Cayman Wildlife Rescue.
Due to her injuries a vet amputated part of her broken right wing and repaired her shattered lower bill. Sweet Pea has lost her ability to fly and to crack the big seeds that she would need to eat in the wild. Having lost both these abilities Cayman Wildlife Rescue donated Sweet Pea to the Caribbean Aviary at Boatswain’s Beach as it was thought she would have a better life at the Park.
Sweet Pea has her own living arrangements in the Aviary and is separated from the four other male parrots already living in the Aviary.
Aviary staff has worked diligently with Sweet Pea to help her regain her trust in people. She has also been trained to step onto a stick on command.
“It is hoped that one day Sweet Pea will have gained enough training to visit schools and workplaces as a part of the Park’s educational initiatives. The goal is that Sweet Pea will become an ambassador to highlight the plight of abused wild animal pets and inform the public on how to take better care of them,†said Geddes Hislop, Curator Terrestrial and Education Programs.
“Boatswain’s Beach aims to always contribute not only to the conservation of Green Sea Turtles but to Cayman’s wildlife on a whole. Being able to rescue Sweet Pea will allow us to promote conservation of the threatened Cayman Parrot species; educate the public; and conduct further research on wildlife and their habitats ensuring their future,†comments Joey Ebanks, Chief Operating Officer.