Alfonso’s American Debut

After surviving a long night of hunting in the kitchen area of the Macramé Owl Sanctuary for all things sweet, scrumptious and caffeinated, Alfonso was slightly exhausted this morning.

Yesterday was such an exciting day for Alfonso. After being woken up from his usual daytime sleep-a-thon at the unearthly hour of 2pm (UK time), Alfonso was asked to dress up in his most luxurious and colourful Owloween bow tie. He was to appear along with his contemporaries on “Good Day Sacramento” for their Halloween Weekend Special with Cody Stark and Amy Carraba.

Rosemary, Alfonso and Sherman nervously wait in the ‘green room’ prior to going live on air via Skype.

Unfortunately, Alfonso was also to appear with the three, slightly weird sanctuary workers, Annie, Zoë and Viv.

In Alfonso’s words “those three cookie gals get in on everything and ride on the back of my up and coming fame”. With this, Alfonso stuck his beak in the air and stayed that way for the remainder of the afternoon.

It has been noticed that he is developing a real attitude of late with all the fame, photographs and celebrity status that is a-knocking at his door! Alfonso was not impressed that jaundiced Skippy muscled in on the action. But that’s life, and Alfonso has to concede that poor Skippy has been through the mill and back since his rescue. Skippy really looks up to Alfonso as well. So eventually, Alfonso forgave Skippy’s impromptu entrance onto the silver screen.

Alfonso went straight back to his perch after his American television debut. He was absolutely exhausted and decided that a feed of delicious fruity jam preserves, a beakful of cookies, and a steaming cappuccino was the order of the day.

Following his feast, Alfonso settled down for a long, deep sleep and hoped he would dream about the most exciting night to follow – “Owloween” – the night when Macramé Owls gather and feast on amazing fare and reminisce about days gone by, cheese fondues, and cool Kaftans – Owlsome!

As the trio prepare to go out trick-or-treating, Skippy hams it up by playing dead zombie in the Halloween treat bowl!

♥ ♥ ♥

Click here to watch Macrame Owl’s interview on Goodday Sacramento. If you’re in the USA and would like to donate Macrame Owls to the Sanctuary, you can send them to the station care of:

“Cody Stark, Keeper of the Macramé Owls”
2713 Kovr Drive
West Sacramento, CA 95605

♥ ♥ ♥

This guest blog post is
written by Vivienne Foley,
Macramé Owl Rehabilitation Expert (MORE)

Skippy’s Survival Spirit

Well, it’s been a long haul, but due to the dedication of the MOST (Macramé Owl Sanctuary Team), Skippy celebrated his first outing with some of the newer Macramé Owl Residents on a day out in Roath Park, Cardiff on Saturday the 23rd of July 2011. Nearly two years after his immigration to the UK (and plenty of bed rest), Skippy was up and at ’em, eagerly bouncing around trees and amid flowers on a sunny afternoon.

Our very own MORE (Macramé Owl Rehabilitation Expert), Viv Foley, has developed a special bond with Skippy. She’s been his personal coach through the hard times, encouraging him to redevelop his communication skills (due to his lack of beak). As you’ll see below, he’s certainly got his confidence back!

Skippy moves in for a close up! He’s certainly not camera shy. Zoe Jones, our newest MOST member and MOJO (Macramé Owl Jolly Organizer) had the idea for the excursion to Roath Park. Skippy’s zesty enthusiasm was admirable. Greg, our top MOWRON (Macramé Owl Welfare Rescue Operations Nurse) is very skilled at Macramé Owl handling, and managed to calm Skippy down well enough to get him still for a proper photo of this memorable occasion.

Skippy Stabilizes

Update
18 August 2009

While Skippy has stabilized, he remains in ICU. The jaundice has persisted. We suspect this may be the long term result of poor nutrition. Skippy has been assessed by an RMN (Registered Macramé Nurse) and we are now seeking a professional to perform reconstructive surgery, and a donor for a beak transplant.

Update
12 September 2009

A suitable beak donor has still not been located, and hope for Skippy’s complete recovery is diminishing. He remains in ICU under 24 hour surveillance.

Update
18 January 2010

We have accepted that a beak donor is unlikely to be found. Skippy’s remarkable lust for life is an inspiration. Somehow, he has pulled through the worst stages of his trauma. The RMN says that while Skippy’s original colouring may never return, it is believed that he will be able to survive long term without a beak. Astonishing.

Skippy Gets Immigration Clearance

Update
2 August 2009

Skippy was cleared by immigration for entry into the UK two days after his arrival from Australia (31 July 2009). While his journey had been highly insured, the container he was shipped in showed signs of a harrowing ordeal.

I was horrified to discover that the ordinarily sprightly, vibrantly-coloured blue and red Macaw Macramé Owl had become jaundiced, had lost its beak, and was generally tattered and worn. Skippy was immediately admitted to our ICU (intensive care unit) and we are hoping he will improve soon.

Skippy Survives the Long Journey

Variety
Macaw Macramé Owl

Admitted
31 July 2009

Initial Assessment and History
Skippy was cleared by immigration for entry into the UK on the 31st of July 2009, having arrived from Australia 2 days prior. While his journey had been highly insured, the container he was shipped in showed signs of an ordeal. I was horrified to discover that the blue and red Macaw Macramé Owl had become jaundiced, had lost its beak, and was generally tattered and worn. Skippy was immediately admitted to our ICU (intensive care unit) and we are hoping he will improve soon.

Read more about Skippy.