Meet Gary, a goofy African Grey with a gentle heart.

Gary may start off a bit anxious and shy, but with time and patience, he is sure to blossom into a loving and engaging companion. He is known to lash out when he feels unsafe or threatened. His ideal family will be an adult-only home with someone who is understanding, patient, and experienced with exotic parrots, allowing Gary the space he needs to feel comfortable and build trust. Once he is comfortable around you, Gary is an extremely loving and affectionate bird. Gary has a wide vocabulary and is constantly chatting to himself, and to anyone who will listen! Gary came into care with some naughty vocabulary and staff have been working on teaching him kind words.

Potential adopters must show their experience and/or knowledge about exotic parrots and will be required to send pictures of their intended set up as part of the application process. The BC SPCA does not support the keeping of exotic birds as companions; however, we recognize these birds are in BC communities and deserve the best possible care by the most knowledgeable caregivers for their lifetime in captivity.

Gary initially came into SPCA care underweight, with feather-plucking under his wings. He did not have the strength to fly, but after months of putting on muscle and growing healthy feathers, Gary has started to make attempts at flight. He would love a large flight cage or aviary where he can stretch his wings, in addition to lots of time spent out of his cage with people. Potential adopters must be confident handling large birds and taking on an exotic bird that may require ongoing vet care or behavior management throughout his life.

Owning an African Grey is not just a short-term commitment; it is a long-term responsibility. Before bringing an African Grey into your home, it is important to understand their average lifespan and be prepared for the care and well-being they require throughout their lives. In general, African Greys can live anywhere from 40 to 60 years in captivity, with some individuals living even longer. This means that when you bring an African Grey into your home, you are committing to caring for them for several decades. Because Gary is a rescue, we are unsure of his exact age, and he could be an extremely long-term commitment.

Caring for an exotic parrot involves providing a proper diet, enrichment, veterinary care, and social interaction. African Grey’s are highly intelligent birds and require lots of mental stimulation to thrive. This can include providing them with toys, puzzles, and social interaction with their human caregivers. Socialization is particularly important for African Greys, as they are highly social creatures in the wild. They need regular interaction and playtime to keep them mentally and emotionally healthy.

If you are interested in adopting, you can apply online at the link below.

Bird Pre-Adoption Questionnaire