Parrot Confidential

In the wild, parrots are known for their chatter, colorful feathers, and grace as they soar among jungle treetops. Although parrots inspire awe and inspiration they remain wild birds, not easily adapting to confinement and domestication. Narrated by Allison Argo, this PBS-aired Nature documentary looks at the sad plight of pet parrots. The loud squawking of parrots (who can live up to 80 years) is meant to be heard across a jungle, and therefore is hardly appropriate for many homes or apartments, where some also discover that the birds have a powerful bite. Sadly, many owners tire of their birds, leading all too many to be "re-homed"—given away or consigned to overcrowded rescue shelters, which is a difficult fate for these intelligent social birds, who tend to form a "mate bond" with their owners. Since wild birds can no longer be legally imported, a thriving illicit trade has grown, with many parrots dying in transit from the forests, or bred in filthy "parrot mills." Parrot lovers have tried to conserve birds in the wild and protect adopted animals, in some cases employing "detox" procedures, such as one for a parrot that suffered ill effects from sharing small quarters with a chain-smoking owner. These naturally active birds aren't suited to a sedentary life, which can lead to premature heart disease. Unfortunately, with an estimated 10-40 million birds in captivity, not all can be rescued or treated. Offering another sobering example of humankind's often thoughtless abuse of nature's wildlife when good intentions go wrong, this disturbing documentary is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)