Hello my name is Hakuna!
Ara ararauna
I am a 35-40 year old female Blue and Gold Macaw! I entered FOTA's program in May 2026. I was apart of the same family my whole life and once my primary caregiver passed away his partner did not have the parrot care knowledge or desire to keep me long term. She wanted to make sure I went somewhere I would receive great care and that could find the perfect family for me! She was worried since I don't have all my feathers I wouldn't find my perfect home.
I had a long drive from Port Rowan all the way to Midland but as soon as I got in a carrier (my first time doing that!) and felt the sun on my feathers I was grinding my beak and making happy noises.
The vet realized I have a hernia that my previous owners didn't know about so I am going to be going in for an x-ray and surgery to make sure I have a long happy life!
Likes
Being around my new mom! We sing and dance together!
Dislikes
A chopstick to target train. Even little things can be scary to a big bird like me!
Fav Foods
Almonds and Cashews are my favourite treats!
What I Can Say
Hi Baby girl, Hello, Can I have a kiss, why hello, burger, I love you
Friends
I didn't live with any other animals. My family has a conure but we haven't met.
About Me and Other
Blue & Gold Macaws
My ancestors are enormous parrots native to the lowland rainforests of South America, the Blue & Gold (also known as Blue & Yellow) Macaw is instantly recognizable for its distinct colouration, long tail and noisy calls. With a wingspan around 3 1/2 feet, its easy to understand why these birds spend most of their life in the sky or among the canopy.
When it comes to the age of companion birds, the general rule of thumb is the bigger the bird, the longer they could live. Blue & Golds and other macaws are the largest companion birds and can live in most cases about 75 years. The oldest recorded macaw, a Blue & Gold named Charlie the Curser was 114/115 when she died. It was believed that she was owned by Sir Winston Churchill, the UK Prime Minister during WWII, but others say he actually owned an African Grey!
As mainly seed and fruit eaters, us macaws transport seeds away from their mother trees to different parts of the forest where they can take root and grow. By dispersing seeds we help young plants survive and keep our forests healthy and resilient to change.
Guess what, macaws like me can blush! Scientists believe that blushing, along with facial feather fluffing is a way for us to communicate our emotions. Colour is usually a key component in visual communication systems and represents the beginning of parrot 'facial expressions'.
Despite being classified as a species of Least Concern, Blue & Gold Macaw numbers are declining due to continued deforestation and destruction of their habitat. Based on current trends of deforestation in the Amazon it is predicted that these birds will lose 21-34% of of their habitat in the next 38 years. These birds are also heavily traded and are the second most traded animal in South America.
What I'm up to Now
I am in a Foster to Adopt Placement!
My mom and I have been bonding incredibly well. Before coming to her I did not step up or interact much with people. For her I will step onto a perch to come out of my cage and explore the house. I am happy for her to hang out in my walk in cage or clean up.
I have started accepting scritches and adore them! I blush for her when she gets the right spot.
As soon as I'm medically cleared after surgery she is going to adopt me!
Interested in Adopting a FOTA Bird?
Interested in Donating to My Care?
