When Zachary Dripps and Ashley Vasquez discovered a vibrant green parrot in their Los Angeles backyard, they had no idea what to expect. Later that day, worried about the opossums lurking in their avocado tree, they brought the bird inside to keep him safe.
What started as a moment of kindness quickly turned into a lifelong commitment — because Pedro, as they would soon name him, hasn’t left their side since.
When they first unwrapped the taped-up box, the bird’s frightened, panting face stared back at them. “It was devastatingly hot, and he had no food or water,” Michelle Reichler, director at Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation, told The Dodo. “Animals left like that break your heart.”
As Pedro settled into the guest room, Zach and Ashley hit the internet searching for a missing bird owner — but found no clues.
Despite knowing nothing about parrots, they dove headfirst into learning how to care for their feathery new friend. They scoured the web for the right foods and booked a vet checkup immediately.
Pedro quickly won their hearts, perching on their shoulders like a feathered best friend.
“We had no idea parrots could be so cuddly, loving, and interactive,” Ashley said. “He even laughs like a human.”
“He wags his tail like a dog,” Zach added with a smile.
Just three days later, a neighbor knocked on their door, searching for her missing bird. She was stunned to find Pedro so happy and at home with Zach and Ashley. “He doesn’t act like that with anyone in our family,” she admitted.
Turns out, she was moving into a smaller place and was looking for a loving new home for Pedro. She asked if Zach and Ashley wanted to keep him.
Without saying a word, the couple exchanged a glance and nodded in unison.
Pedro, a 23-year-old red-lored Amazon parrot, was now officially part of their family — and Zach gave him a playful new name: Pedro Pascal.
Becoming first-time parrot parents meant big changes. They cleared their home of perfumes, candles, Teflon pans, and hairspray — all toxic to Pedro’s delicate lungs. His diet switched to organic pellets, fresh fruits, and veggies. Toys filled his space for enrichment, and a parrot trainer helped build their bond even more.
They also discovered Pedro’s favorite pastime: dancing. “He bobs his head to music like a true performer,” Zach said. “He loves being the center of attention.”
Though their neighbor has since moved away, she stays in touch, always grateful to see Pedro thriving.
“She says, ‘I can tell he’s so loved and happy now,’” Ashley said, smiling.