Images in this story and above video may be considered disturbing
In the newest development of a recent and disturbing trend in Southern California, five more wild parrots were found mutilated in the San Gabriel Valley, some of which were beyond saving.
Local wildlife rescuer Cleo Watts said that these birds, all part of an endangered species, were found in a makeshift birdcage left on the railroad tracks in El Monte.
“Three of them had to be euthanized immediately, some with multiple fractures, one with lacerations on the left part of the body,” Watts told KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw. “On one of them, the beak was completely ripped off and split in half.”
Watts runs the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center called Cleo’s Critter Care, and this isn’t the first time she’s seen parrots arrive under these conditions.
Earlier in December, injured parrots were found shot in Pasadena and Monrovia – as many as 11 were killed or severely injured.
In addition, about a year ago in Temple City, someone placed nets into trees presumably to catch parrots and, as a result, some fell, got injured or ran over and killed.
“We keep hearing these stories of these birds getting mutilated and to think that it’s a human being that’s doing it is devastating,” said Watts.
The birds are not native but have settled comfortably into San Gabriel Valley, and while some residents enjoy their unusual presence – others clearly do not want them around.
“We’re not exactly sure why, or if they’re just annoyed by the noisy parrots,” said Ashly Cass of SoCal Parrot Rescue in San Diego. “It’s one thing if it’s an accident, but it’s still heartbreaking and frustrating when it’s on purpose.”
Rescuers do all they can to triage and save the injured birds. While some don’t make it, others are able to rehab at SoCal Parrot Rescue – which takes in a couple hundred birds each year.
Now, rescuers hope to bring awareness to the community and stop the parrot poachers.
Pasadena Humane is handling this investigation now that multiple reports have been made in different cities, and asks community members to call them if they find a dead or injured parrot.
