12/12/2024
🫶 Please read our Giving Tuesday story ~ The Walmart Cockatiels 💛
Make your donation count now with a $15k match challenge, pledged by two generous Oasis supporters. https://the-oasis.org/donate/
Just two months ago, on an October evening, a woman named Shelley embarked on her usual shopping trip to Walmart. Unexpectedly, she was drawn to the sound of chirping that echoed in the parking lot - a melody distinct from wild birds. As her gaze darted around, she discovered a cage, seemingly abandoned. There was no one else near it so she approached it slowly not sure what she would find. As she got closer, she saw two cockatiels inside, a male White-faced Cockatiel and a female normal Cockatiel. Both were chattering but seemingly nervous and clutching to the side of the cage. Inside the cage with the birds was a small dish of seed and water. Several old toys that had seen better days with missing parts and strings or wires were hanging from the top. The cage, itself, needed a good cleaning and looked like it had been some time by the build-up. A blanket was on top of the cage, probably to provide some shelter from the cold since it was the start of chilly weather in Northern Arizona.
Shelley looked around for someone who could be the guardian of these birds. Then she started asking people in the parking lot if they had seen anyone with the cage. She had no luck and decided to go inside the store to inquire if anyone knew of the pet birds in the cage in the parking lot. No one had seen anyone but commented that the cage had been there all day.
She wondered why someone would leave them exposed in the parking lot all day. Everyone passed by except for Shelley. She took the initiative to lift the cage into her car so at least the little birds were safe and warm from the evening chill.
Returning to the store, she purchased her groceries and some food for her newfound companions. As she shopped, she was very troubled at the thought that anyone would abandon two helpless cockatiels, in a parking lot. Again, she asked more shoppers who were coming and going about the cage of birds but received no clues. She decided to shelter the birds at home for the night and told the store customer service folks that she would check in the next day.
The birds settled in for the night in her warm house. She affectionately named them Ida Mae and Cecil. The next day, Shelley checked in with Walmart in hopes that the guardian of the birds came looking for them. Unfortunately, that was not the case.
After a few days passed and she had no luck reuniting the birds, she decided she needed to call someone who could take them. Shelley had a major surgery scheduled and there was no one who could care for them. She made the call to The Oasis for help. Janet told her, yes, we would help but she would continue the search lost and found postings for a match.
We still wonder why these precious cockatiels were abandoned in the Walmart parking lot. Was it someone down on their luck, perhaps homeless, unable to take care of the birds? Did they assume that being dropped at a busy store, a kind, animal lover like Shelley would take and care for the birds? We will never know and it is unsettling, but we are grateful that Shelley took the time to stop and help them and not walk on by like everyone else did that day.
In foster care, both had good appetites but showed a preference for mostly seed. Eventually, they began exploring the delectable offering of fresh foods. Their feathers were a bit tattered and dusty, needing a good misting. The sheer joy they exhibited during showers was heartwarming, as they spread their wings wide to embrace every droplet! The sight of them enjoying the moment of being thoroughly drenched was touching. These two sweet birds are truly endearing and have captured our hearts with their innocent charm.
Ida Mae and Cecil have shown us how strong their bond is, as if they have been together for many years. Social, playful, and healthy they will surely enjoy their new home together, amongst cockatiel friends in The Small Bird Aviary. They are ready to stretch their wings and fly.
Abandoned in a parking lot, they are now safe and have a permanent home at The Oasis. That is only possible because of your committed support to help vulnerable birds in need. Thank YOU!
https://the-oasis.org/donate/
