A parrot in Nova Scotia that has been exhibiting indicators of melancholy because the COVID-19 pandemic is shifting to Ontario for a change of surroundings and to make new buddies.
Merlin has been the mascot of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax since 2006, however his routine was disrupted when COVID-19 emerged in 2020 and the museum closed.
Kim Reinhardt, common supervisor of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, stated the shortage of interplay with guests led Merlin to chew his feathers, an indication of stress, and the behaviour continued even after museum operations absolutely resumed.
Throughout a Zoom interview on Thursday, whereas snow fell outdoors the window, Merlin sat on his perch and preened his bluish-green feathers. He lifted his claw and rubbed his eye.
“Peek-a-boo,” he stated, cocking his head and making an attempt to catch Reinhardt’s eye. He went again to preening after she checked out him and replied: “peek-a-boo.”
The museum has a lot of toys to maintain the clever, lively and social fowl occupied, and a group of employees members spend time with Merlin, however Reinhardt stated the corporate just isn’t sufficient.
Twenty-two-year-old Merlin is “fairly talkative,” with the phrases “cracker” and “peek-a-boo” a part of his common vocabulary, and regardless of his melancholy, he “laughs frequently.”
Reinhardt stated parrots wish to have companionship with different birds. “We will’t present that.”
So, after session with a veterinarian, it was determined that Merlin would depart Halifax on April 15 to affix a flock of fellow macaws — giant members of the parrot household — at Safari Niagara in Fort Erie, Ont.
Safari Niagara occurred to be on the lookout for one other macaw, Reinhardt stated, as a result of there may be one fowl there that’s presently single.
“So there’s hope that possibly Merlin will really feel a particular bond to the macaw that doesn’t have a mate,” she stated.
However introductions must be gradual as a result of Merlin has not identified or lived along with his type since he was born. He’s a hybrid, rainbow macaw that was hatched in captivity, dwelling the primary few years of his life in a pet retailer.
“He’s by no means lived with different birds. He’s by no means flown. He’s by no means been taught to fly.”
The fowl arrived in 2006 and took his place because the museum’s mascot.
“It gave the impression to be a good time to possibly introduce a mascot for the museum,” she stated. “Different establishments typically have an animal mascot, and … macaws and parrots have hyperlinks to maritime nautical historical past and heritage. It appeared like a fantastic match.”
Over his years on the museum, she stated the fowl was beloved — and spoiled.
“The veterinarian set us straight as soon as he discovered we have been giving him manner too many treats.”
Now, his food plan contains broccoli, carrots, an assortment of fruits, a cracker or two and two peanuts.
On his perch, Merlin shredded the envelope of a goodbye card he was given. Museum employees took the cardboard away to maintain it secure from his beak, which he loves to make use of to tear paper.
Reinhardt stated Merlin leaving will go away a big vacuum on the museum.
“We’re going to overlook him a lot. However we additionally love him a lot and we simply need the perfect for him.”
The macaw goes to be put in a journey cage and flown to Ontario somewhat than be pushed by automotive, which isn’t Merlin’s favorite mode of journey.
“We’ve heard him protest earlier than and I can guarantee you it’s very loud.”
