Every day I see videos posted on social media:

• Dancing birds
• Talking parrots
• Cursing macaws
• Cockatoos solving puzzles

… and the list continues.

Many—if not most—of the birds in these videos appear stressed, although their caregivers don’t seem to notice or care.

The truth is, thousands of birds worldwide wait in bird sanctuaries or rescue foundations for a loving foster or forever home. Every Internet site that sends someone to a pet shop or breeder introduces a new potential victim to the vicious cycle of poaching and breeding.

Many species of parrots are on the brink of extinction—or have already disappeared—thanks to human greed. Everybody wants and wants it right now. Consumers don’t take the time to learn about proper care of these intelligent creatures with evolved social skills.

If you can provide a nurturing environment for one bird, please contact a local rescue organization and change the world for one poor animal who needs your love. Your compassion might not change the world—but it will change the world for the bird you rescue.