She was waiting for help — and now she looks so much different.
Winnie the Macaw Gets a New Lease on Life After Dramatic Rescue
When the family of a bird owner realized they could no longer care for six parrots, they reached out to Mulberry Acres Parrot Rescue for help. Taking in that many birds was no small task—but the moment rescuers saw a photo of Winnie, they knew they had no choice.
Winnie, a vibrant macaw, was in critical condition. Her beak had grown so long it nearly curled into her neck, a painful and dangerous state for any bird.
“There’s absolutely no reason for a parrot to have a beak like that,” said Mandy Kocevar, founder of Mulberry Acres. “When we saw her, we knew we had to act.”
While the other birds also needed medical attention, Winnie’s situation was the most severe. Alongside her overgrown beak, she was also significantly overweight, which may have worsened her condition.
Astonishingly, Winnie had adapted to eating despite her beak’s shape. She had learned to scoop food into her beak and maneuver it into her mouth using her tongue. Sadly, part of her health decline stemmed from a diet heavy in fast food—including regular meals from Burger King.
“Beak overgrowth like this is usually due to underlying health problems, often made worse by poor nutrition,” Kocevar explained. “Winnie’s weight and her beak told us everything we needed to know.”
Although a beak trim was urgently needed, rescuers gave Winnie time to settle into her new surroundings. And it didn’t take long for her affectionate personality to shine through. Within days, she was asking for head scratches and bonding with the team.
“It’s clear her former owner loved her and handled her often,” Kocevar shared. “She’s sweet, eager to perch on your arm, and she loves sharing meals—she’s always hoping for a bite of what you’re eating.”
When Winnie was finally ready, the rescue’s avian vet carefully performed the first stage of her beak trim—a process that has to be done gradually to avoid harm. She handled it like a pro.
“She’s like a new bird,” Kocevar said. “So much more comfortable, and she’s clearly feeling better.”
Now thriving at the sanctuary, Winnie is getting daily exercise, eating a proper diet, and enjoying a structured routine. She’ll remain at Mulberry Acres for several months as she continues to recover, and when the time is right, the team will decide whether she’ll become a permanent resident or be adopted into a loving home.
“She’s had a total makeover,” Kocevar said proudly. “And we’re doing everything we can to make sure this next chapter is the healthiest and happiest of her life.”