A Book for the Birds; New Poll on Parrots in Captivity..Plus, Stop Junk Mail Offer

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A Book for the Birds; New Poll on Parrots in Captivity

 

 

This Book Is for the Birds!Born Free USA Announces the Publication of LuckyAmericans Support a Parrot’s Right to FlightNational Poll highlights attitudes about birds in captivityOther Ways to Help Animals

Become a Member of Born Free USA united with APIPartner of the Month

 

This Book Is for the Birds!Born Free USA Announces the Publication of Lucky

Six years ago while traveling in Indonesia I aided in the release of a wild-caught parrot a rainbow lorikeet — who had been chained to a perch for more than a year. He paced back and forth on that tiny perch, occasionally biting at the chain in defiance of its authority, and when he called out in vain to birds flying free overhead, it was heartbreaking. He was just one bird out of millions who suffer the same fate as a result of the “pet†bird trade. But “Lucky,†as we called him, deserved to be free. He suffered. And our hearts went out to him.

This is why I used Lucky’s inspirational story to create a children’s book of the same name. I hope you will join me in celebrating Lucky’s release by ordering a copy ofLucky for the children in your life, or purchasing a copy for your local school or library.

The book gently awakens children to the plight of captive birds through the fictionalized story of Lucky, who is captured in the wild and eventually regains his freedom with the help of a young Indonesian boy. The book also includes information about the real Lucky.

The story is also a natural fit for a wider educational curriculum including geography and culture of Indonesia, the natural history, behavior, and physical characteristics of parrots and tropical forest ecosystems, as well as real-life conservation efforts.

The dedicated website www.luckythelorikeet.com incorporates all these topics. In addition, children can meet the real Lucky in a narrated documentary video clip available on the website.

I have never forgotten that little bird, full of spirit and sass in the face of one of the cruelest things that can happen to a bird — denial of the ability to fly and socialize with other birds. This type of cruelty happens to birds every day, whether chained to perches in a remote village or confined to cages in an urban living room.

Help send Born Free USA’s “Keep Wildlife in the Wild†message to the next generation. Order your copy of Lucky today!

In common cause,

 

 

 

 

 

Monica EngebretsonSenior Program Associate, Born Free USAand Author of Lucky

P.S. The book was produced by the Avian Welfare Coalition and 100% of the proceeds from its sale benefits avian welfare, rescue, and conservation — to help birds like Lucky everywhere. And this beautifully illustrated 32-page softcover “perfect bound†book is printed on recycled, chlorine-free paper to protect the environment and the world's forests.

 

Americans Support a Parrot’s Right to FlightNational Poll highlights attitudes about birds in captivity

A recent public opinion poll conducted by the Humane Research Council and commissioned by Born Free USA asked respondents for their views on the keeping of parrots in captivity. The results are encouraging and demonstrate the importance of Born Free USA’s Bird Campaign.

Parrots are exceptionally social birds. In the wild they form strong bonds with other birds in their flock and may fly for miles together each day. Sadly many captive parrots are kept alone in tiny, barren cages with no opportunity to fly.

Forty-seven percent of respondents indicated that they do not approve of the way parrots are commonly are kept — in cages or unable to fly. Only 4% approved of the status quo — responding that it was “fine to keep parrots in cages of any size.â€

This demonstrates that many people understand that even when bred in captivity parrots retain their wild instincts including the desire to fly and flock with others of their kind.

While this is encouraging, the poll also demonstrated that there is a great need for increased public education on this issue — 48% of respondents said they “didn’t have an opinion†or “didn’t know†how they felt about parrots in captivity. Clearly, we have much work to do.

Born Free USA will use this information to help inform our important work to improve the lives of birds living in captivity and preserve their rightful place in the wild.

 

Become a Member of Born Free USA united with API

By joining Born Free USA united with API as a Member, you are joining tens of thousands of compassionate individuals across the country who are committed to making a difference on behalf of animals in need.

Your Membership gift supports our vital efforts to protect animals through such tools as legislation, litigation, advocacy, and public education. Our Members are our partners in action, and together, we can make a difference for animals.

Click here to learn more about the benefits available to you, and become a member of Born Free USA united with API today.

 

41pounds.org

Did you know that more than 100 million trees are destroyed each year for junk mail? Plus, 28 billion gallons of water and enough energy to power 2.8 million cars? When you stop junk mail and catalogs, you keep trees in the forests doing what they do best — providing oxygen for us to breathe and absorbing CO2 to keep our planet cool and healthy.

For $41 — that’s just $8.20 a year or 2 cents a day — 41pounds.org does all the legwork to reduce your junk mail and catalogs by 80-95% for five years. They’ll also donate $15 to Born Free USA united with API for each new sign-up. In celebration of Earth Day — April 22, 2009 — we've accepted the 41Pounds challenge! If we sign at least 50 new accounts during April, 41Pounds will provide an additional generous donation to Born Free USA!

When you register, 41pounds.org will contact 20-35 direct mail companies to remove your name from their distribution lists. This includes almost all credit card applications, coupon mailers and magazine offers, plus any catalogs you specify.

It’s that simple! Stop your junk mail by visiting Born Free USA united with API’s dedicated link to 41pounds.org or call 866-417-4141. It only takes a few minutes to make a big difference for you and for the animals.