Gulliver and walnut

Story courtesy of Sybil Erden, Executive Director of the Oasis Sanctuary

In December 2007, after being adrift for about a month, an American couple crashed their 42 foot boat into the reefs surrounding Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Keer-ee-bas.) This is on the Equator on the other side of the date-line, in what is loosely referred to as Micronesia. The couple were traveling with a dog, Snickers, and a Blue and Gold, Gulliver. They abandoned their animals when they were able to leave the Island. The animals lived under threat of death as there is a strict non-importation law in Kiribati. Additionally, both animals had left the US without proper paperwork to insure their re-entry.

The dog was adopted by Jack Joslin (Las Vegas) and removed from the island in April with the help of Hawaiian Humane Society. They also tried to Bring back Gulliver, but without success. Since Blue and Gold Macaws are CITES II (Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species) animals with II meaning Threatened --- there were a myriad of difficulties in attempting to bring Gulliver back home. He did not have a closed band nor did he have a microchip, so there was no "proof" that he was in fact US captive-born. He was therefore treated as though he were a "wild" macaw!

Gulliver and Friend

Gulliver at his "Coming Out" party

Many people have asked why the original "owners" of the bird did not get the bird back. It is complex, but 1) Since they did not get appropriate paperwork before leaving the US, USFWS would never (they told me) give the bird back to them; and 2) As a CITES II animal, Gulliver had to go to a "zoo or educational facility" where he could be "on exhibition." It took over a month but we finally were granted approval as an appropriate venue for Gulliver to live his life.

Ultimately we were able to find the original owner (it took over two months!) She most willingly signed Gulliver over to The Oasis.

Why Gulliver?

The Oasis existed to "save birds one at a time" - birds for whom there are not other options. Gulliver certainly had no other options. But Gulliver also is representative of all the birds who have been abandoned everywhere: birds relegated to basements of garages; bird dumped at Humane Shelters and pounds; birds brought to Veterinarians to be euthanized when they re no longer wanted. Gulliver is the "Spokes Parrot" for them all. On July 25th I received the best possible news: Gulliver's mandated USDA tests all came back negative and he was released on August 7th!!

Gulliver and Sybil, ready to head home

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