Has Pre-School Gone To The Birds?
No, but the birds have certainly gone to pre-school!
This week Seppi, a Moluccan Cockatoo, managed to squeeze several visits to the Kanab pre-school in between campaigning for President and writing his column for the magazine. Of course, Seppi was fully capable of running the whole show, but he decided to bring along Michele, Al, Kathy and Wendy who are all staff at Parrots, and even decided to let Rio, a Green-winged Macaw and Ella, a small and brilliantly colored Jenday Conure share center stage with him.
Children and teachers alike were full of excitement and questions as they took turns interacting with the parrots. They touched them, talked to them and held them on their arms. Their eyes and their smiles told the story. Their questions were serious as well as curious.
“Why can a parrot turn its head so far around?”
“Where do they live (in the wild)?”
How come some of them have long tails and others have short tails?”
“Why are they so loud?”
“Can all parrots talk?”
With all the questions successfully answered and with everyone having had a chance to interact with the parrots, the program came to a close. But before The Team left to go back to the Sanctuary Seppi reminded them to ask the kids a question. “Where do you believe the parrots would be happier living, in cages or in the wild?” The answer came spontaneously, spoken with certainty.
“In the wild!” they all said.
Right answer. Kids know, and kudos to them!
Our Educational Team has created programs for kids of all ages. The Team consists of several Parrot Staff members and, of course, The Parrots. Our Educational Parrots are chosen for their friendly, dynamic and animated personalities and for their high level of comfort with people.
The Team is available for classroom and other venues and will travel to give presentations upon request. If you are interested in scheduling a program, or for more information please email parrots@bestfriends.org or call 435-644-2001 ext. 4211.
Story by Jane Besmehn
Photos by Sarah Ause