Happy 29th Hatch Day Saba!

Today is a very special day… Today is Saba’s 29th Hatch Day (aka birthday). Happy 29 years around the sun, Beautiful!!!!!

You bring meaning, light, music and love into my life everyday. You got me through the aftermath of my last hospitalization… You inspire me to be well because I choose to take care of you. To do that means that I need to take care of me.

Saba came into my life when I was 8 years old and she was 7 weeks old. She is an African Grey Timneh Parrot. There are also the more known African Grey Congo Parrots. Congo’s are bigger, lighter grey and have a bright red tail. Sadly, both breeds of Grey are endangered due to a loss of habitat and the parrot trade.

She was born in captivity, but somewhere along the line her ancestors were stolen from the wild. We talk about these things and how she never knew her mom and dad or siblings but that I’m sure they’d all be very proud of her. She is a ray of sunshine. We keep them and all the parrots in captivity within our prayers.

I get rough ideas on life expectancy. I hear anything from 30 to 60. In the wild, my understanding is that her breed can live to be over 80. I don’t think parrots should be pets but I try to give her the best life I can. We are lifelong friends and family. I am still youngish so I do hope I outlive her, as sad as that would be. I know too well how many parrots in captivity end up. I never want her to live a day without me.

Here’s to many more years together, Beautiful! <3

Photo: Saba sitting next to my Art as Therapy piece "Shine" in 2020.

Saba actually has a whole section to art inspired by her on my website: Saba the parrot