Create Your First Project
Start adding your projects to your portfolio. Click on "Manage Projects" to get started
LEHUA (Green Wing Macaw)
Lehua having difficulty breathing
Lehua: Feather Damage/Wing mutilation
Lehua’s Timeline of Neglect and Declining Health
Note: The following timeline documents recorded incidents and communications regarding Lehua’s health and care. These entries reflect specific instances that were notated and saved but do not represent all concerns or communications expressed by staff members.
Additional information was originally recorded in the Parrot Care Log, which was used to note concerning or unusual observations, identify who witnessed them, track who was informed, and document whether any action was taken. This log was an important tool for recognizing health patterns and determining whether issues were addressed. Susanne later removed the Parrot Care Log from the store without notice, and as a result, many months of contextual details—including specific dates, communications, and follow-up actions—were lost. Staff recalls other incidents and/or concerns of wellbeing that are no longer verifiable due to the absence of that documentation.
------------------
May 31, 2024
Lehua, a 27-year-old Green Wing Macaw, was brought to Avalon Aviary Bird Store by the store owner, Susanne Cochran. She arrived in a carrier, and Susanne instructed the Store Manager (SM) to set her up in a cage. No additional details about her background or health history were provided.
June 1, 2024
SM observed that Lehua had been plucking her chest feathers, revealing grey down beneath. Her overall feather quality was poor, indicating stress or possible health issues. When this was brought to Susanne’s attention, she dismissed the concern, stating that Lehua simply "needed a shower."
October 16, 2024
While working with Lehua, a staff member (PeJ) noticed alarming balance and grip issues. When attempting to move her from her cage to a socialization perch, Lehua struggled to stand and repeatedly fell, requiring PeJ to catch her. Concerned, SM texted Susanne to report the issue. Susanne replied that she believed Lehua had a past injury and might be in pain but took no action to alleviate her pain. Susanne also suggested that the perch might have been slippery, though staff explained that was not the case. Instead of seeking veterinary care, she proposed separating Lehua from other birds because something seems to be spreading (meaning an illness spreading through the parrots), but due to overcrowding, there was no feasible way to quarantine her properly.
November 9, 2024
Lehua’s condition worsened as she began feather-damaging, excessively chewing her wings to the point of extreme damage. Store Manager reported this behavior directly to Susanne in person. Susanne acknowledged that Lehua needed to see a vet but no vet visit occurred.
February 7, 2025
Lehua was observed struggling to climb the bars of her cage, an indication of worsening mobility issues. Staff rearranged her cage, replacing standard perches with rope perches to give her better grip and accessibility. Lehua immediately used them, confirming her mobility challenges. A note was left for Susanne detailing the issue, and a sign was placed on Lehua’s cage reading, “Stability Issues: Experienced Handlers Only.” When Susanne address the sign to PeJ who reiterated what SM put in the note, Susanne expressed concern for Lehua’s condition but used the cold weather as an excuse to postpone a vet visit.
February 18, 2025
Lehua’s feather-chewing had become even more obsessive, leaving her wings in terrible condition. Store Manager recorded a video of the behavior and personally brought Susanne over to witness it firsthand. Susanne verbally acknowledged that Lehua likely had an old injury and mentioned that she needed to take her to Dr. Fitzgerald, a veterinarian but did not follow through.
February 26, 2025
Lehua was seen gasping for air, her breathing visibly labored. SM and PeJ documented the incident and recorded a video of her distress. They presented the video to Susanne, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Susanne responded that she would take Lehua to the vet 'next week,' a phrase staff reported hearing frequently in response to health concerns. The video was uploaded to YouTube as unlisted and shared with Susanne. Eleven days later, the view count remained at zero, leading staff to believe the video may not have been watched.
---
Final Concerns and Call for Action :
Lehua has shown signs of illness, pain, and distress for months. Despite repeated reports from staff and multiple opportunities to seek medical care, Susanne did not take her to a vet as of March 7 2024, when she fired the Store Manager and most of the rest of the staff quit.
To view pictures and documents:
Scroll through the items below (on a computer) by double clicking on the pictures and using the arrows on either side of the pictures to scroll through. Only a picture preview is in the display array, and the arrow isn't easy to view in all browsers.
