Aside from having feathers, the stories of the Imperial Woodpecker, “Rio”, and 517 Parrot chicks in Brazil do have some things in common. These are topics of conservation that have been trending in the avian community these past few months. Many of us in the avian community are fined tuned into these stories probably with more awareness than the non avian community. And there sure is a story to be told with each… one of total peril, one of a fictitious character that represents a far off truth of a species in true peril, and one of an interception of more than five hundred amazons on their way to a state of potential peril.

85 seconds of the Imperial Woodpecker

While the Imperial Woodpecker is not a parrot species, the many in the parrot community know about the plight of the Imperial Woodpecker as many of us have viewed that rare 85 second video footage from Cornell University. This video is described as the only video in existence of this amazing creature that is now a distant memory of past generations. In short, this was a common bird that thrived in unique and virgin timberlands. The timberlands were destroyed for the purpose of man’s need for paper and wood products: therefore we eliminated this majestic two foot tall bird’s unique environment. Oh, to encourage the woodpeckers’ s demise, timber companies gave the locals poison packets to set out as it was believed that the bird was destroying the timber when in actuality, the bird was feeding off the larvae of the pine beetle. Today, the pine beetle still plagues the timber industry.

96 Minutes of “Rio: The Movie” released by 20^th Century Fox

How about “Blu” the loving and fictitious character portrayed as the last male of his species? In case you didn’t see it, “Rio” has a happy ending. Blu and his mate fly off into the sunset presumably to carry on the species. While entertaining, there are some hints of truth with this story-in that it’s about a blue bird that is deemed as the last male of his species. In fact, some sources indicate that Blu’s character is based on a real live Spix’s Macaw discovered in a pet setting in Colorado years ago. The parrot community compares this character to the condition of the now “extinct in the wild” Spix’s Macaw. While believed to be extinct in the wild, it is the parrot and avian community that regularly discuss the increasing numbers of Spix’s Macaw held in managed captive breeding facilities such as Loro Parque and Al Wabra. Interesting that “Rio: The Movie” based on a plot that nearly touches the truth, brings in nearly 500 million dollars at the box office alone. We can, with a reasonable amount of confidence, assume that it was more than just the parrot community that got a taste of ‘near truth’ about a parrot being the last of its kind. One should question the real message here. But alas, the parrot community did put a spin on this. Reports indicate that the story of Blu opened the doors to parrot awareness, as well as conservation matters. We can only hope that other conservation organizations also took advantage of this acclaimed entertainment value and educated captive audiences in order to fuel public awareness of parrot conservation and perhaps to acheive some fundraising.

Now, the 517 Amazon chicks rescued in Pernambuco, Brazil

In recent weeks, the Brazilian officials thwarted smuggling attempts of over 500 Amazon chicks and the plea to help these chicks spread everywhere in the avian community. The parrot species in this particular interception included Blue Front amazons, Yellow Shoulder amazons, as well as a few smaller indigenous species of parrakeets.

Well, some of these species are endangered. Some species are rather common. And, for the record, this group of parrots was not the only group of parrots destined for anything other than living wild that made parrot conservation headlines this year. Who is to say what is more important-saving a group of highly endangered birds or some species commonly found flying in native lands as frequently as… let’s say…the Imperial Woodpecker 100 years ago?

We at Rolf C. Hagen, Inc. and at HARI salute organizations and individuals that protect our planet’s birds-especially parrot species. And yes, as a corporate ambassador of the avian community that serves the pet industry, we are also proud to support various conservation projects such as World Parrot Trust and Parrots International to name a few. This year alone we have sent Tropican diets, and other HARI Approved products to various conservation projects to promote and encourage the study of parrots in the wild. Yes, the companion bird we love and hold dear is probably a mere generation or two removed from the wild…and that’s ok. After all, our pet birds, be they cherished members of the family or an unpredictable pair of breeding amazons in an aviary setting, really can’t go back to a life in the wild, like “Blu”. There are too many other global conflicts within native ecosystems that makes this idea too challenging- if not impossible. However, there is indeed an obligation to help preserve these bird species in their native lands. Imagine your future generations of offspring watching a video of the last known brown throated conure.

What can you do? Some folks give up their funds allocated for their daily coffee fix for conservation donation. No amount is too small and any funding towards these projects is appreciated and needed. However, you can do something else that would be good if not better… share these stories with one of those out of the parrot community-you know the ones that contributed to the gross profit of fiction-except tell them the truth!

Rolf C. Hagen was a pillar in the pet products industry who touched many lives with his generosity and compassion.

Montreal, Canada – October 24, 2011 – Rolf C. Hagen, Founder and Chairman of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., passed away suddenly yet peacefully at his home in Montreal surrounded by his loving wife Marianne and grandson Justin on Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Rolf C. Hagen was born in 1932, the third of 10 children, in a small seaside town in northern Germany.

In 1955, inspired by a simple idea, he came to Canada and sowed the seeds of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., which blossomed to become one of the world’s largest family-owned manufacturers and distributors of pet care products.

He started by acquiring bird seeds from the Canadian prairies and exporting them back to Germany. His small export business eventually flourished and branched out into a solid, well-respected pet supplies business that today spans many continents.

Soon after setting up his business in Montreal, his focus turned to the most significant import of his life: a beautiful young woman named Marianne Koch, whom he met in Hamburg and married in Montreal in 1959.

His brothers Dieter and Horst subsequently joined the company, both of whom brought new energy and innovation to the company, taking it to new heights of success. The trio formed the first generation of an internationally successful family-based company that is now managed by Rolf C. Hagen’s three beloved sons, Mark, Tom, and Rolf Jr.

Mr Hagen was a tireless force who was actively involved as Chairman of Rolf C. Hagen Inc. right up until the day preceding his sudden passing.

Those who did business with Mr Hagen were often inspired by his simple and ethical approach to commerce, often sealing business deals with his firm handshake and honouring them with his word, which was as good as gold.

In his lifetime, Mr Hagen was honoured with many awards in the pet products industry. In June 1999, he was inducted into the American Pet Products Association Hall of Fame, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual in the pet industry. In March 2004, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pet Industry Distributors Association in recognition for innovative design of pet products and for his generous support of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people.  He is the only person in the pet products industry who is a recipient of both awards.

In 1996, he received The First Cross of the Federal Order of Merit from Germany (Bundesverdienstkreuz der 1. Klasse). In 2005, he was awarded The Highest Order of Merit (Grosses Bundesverdienstkreuz am Band) from the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest honour that Germany can bestow upon a civilian.

Yet even with all his business successes and accolades, Rolf C. Hagen remained a humble and altruistic man who did not lose touch with many of life’s timeless and enduring values: love, kindness, humility, compassion, and generosity. Though he soared in business, he was deeply grounded in his love for humanity and pets, giving away much of what he amassed to individuals, schools, hospitals, churches and charitable organizations in Canada as well as all over the world.

Helen Keller wrote that it is better to walk with a friend in the dark than alone in the light. In addition to being an icon in the pet products industry, Rolf C. Hagen will also be remembered for being a true friend who was always there for those who walked in the dark.

Despite the current disasters such as hurricanes, wild fires, and other maladies of Mother Nature that make international headlines, often the most overlooked disaster for a companion bird goes without notice. This is something that occurs often, yet, rarely makes a headline: it’s a storm of another kind. The kind of storm that can be sudden or perhaps it’s an event that’s actually brewing in the not so far distance. It’s the absence of the avian caretaker. Perhaps this is due to family emergency or unexpected death of the caretaker. Maybe it’s the slow decline of health on the part of the avian caretaker that creates comprises in the bird’s daily care. Unfortunately, a disaster from a companion parrot’s perspective is a disaster indeed…it is the interruption of life from that bird’s normal care.

We at HARI often hear about a pet bird or perhaps a collection of parrots, be it a breeder, a pet store, and even some parrot re-homing facilities in need of assistance due to human related emergencies. With that being said, we’d like to make a few suggestions and reminders for all of the avian community to take charge of their feathered companions before a “storm” actually strikes.

What can you do?

Take Charge!

First and foremost, avian caretakers need to take charge of their own flock. The HARI team encourages pet owners and large flock caretakers alike to keep records and prepare for emergencies. While some emergencies are incredibly unexpected, others are much like the storm in the not so far distance. Life has its challenges for all and if you feel as if the care of one bird or several is getting too difficult, ask for help. You know your bird or birds, and you know who you can count on. Take decisive steps in this matter to avoid someone else making decisions for you and your pets or flock.

Companion bird owners:

Companion bird owners can very easily keep a supply box that includes everything needed for caring for their birds in case of emergency. Keep in mind that should an emergency arise that would give cause of for emergency personnel to enter a household, a simple notice on the refrigerator stating: Pet bird profile located in… let’s say, pantry, cupboard or whatever. This bit of information should include your avian veterinarian telephone, plus contact information for someone that can take over the care of your bird in your absence. Please feel free to review one of our older post , “HARI Approved First Aid Arsenal: Are You Ready?” for list of other items.

Strategies for Bird Clubs:

Bird Clubs usually have a network and committee chairpersons set up for education, speaker, pet bird adoption and other services for their membership. Designate an emergency relief team and protocol. We’re not suggesting that a diehard watch dog team be in place, but perhaps a couple of members that can respectfully network within the bird club membership and be available to members in need.

Set up phone calling trees and encourage membership to have an emergency book on their pets filled out. To get started, make use of the Parrot Profile available from HARI which includes basic pertinent information about a particular bird. An Emergency or Disaster Relief committee might want to organize a presentation on this topic for a regular club meeting. Be sure to include an article on the subject in a monthly club newsletter for members unable to attend meetings.

Strategies for Avian Specialty Retailers & Pet Stores

Some of the best retailers are very familiar with their regular customers and the products they buy for their pets or flock. During the normal course of business it’s easy to lose track of every customer-but usually something will trigger that will make one think, especially when it comes to reordering a particular item because they know ‘so and so’ will be in and need…and then they discover that particular item is still on the shelf. A customer database, especially for routine grooming appointment reminders, is one way of not only creating a database for customer contacts, it’s a great way to keep in touch with the store’s area market and support community outreach projects that benefit the business.

Large Flock management

Whether it’s a breeding facility, a re-home facility or even a home with several parrots, large flock management emergency care is a little bit different. In extreme cases, municipal agencies are the ones who are called to these collections in the event of emergency. And, not every agency is equipped with knowledge of caring for exotic parrots. If the situation is temporary, the birds will be easier to manage without moving them from premise. At any rate, a response team will need to know location of food, particular dietary needs of species, as well other supplies such as nets, disinfectants, extra bowls, that are used in every day operation of a large flock management. Please note that most aviaries are very concerned with security as well as bio-security. Respect for the operation is essential to be of benefit overall. Ideally, the response team should be made up of experienced avian caretakers or facility avian veterinarian educated in large flock management. Efficiently operated large flock facilities will have record keeping system unique to the operation.

These types are record systems are often on computers; therefore, it’s suggested to have a hard copy of some kind that includes a map of facility with the location & identification of each bird, flight, cage as well as location of food, and extra supplies. Contact information for food supplier should be included as well to avoid interruption of the flock’s normal diet.

As avian caretakers, we’re very concerned with the quality of care of all parrot species in the avian community. By this post we’re not endorsing anyone particular group of the avian community, we just want the birds to be protected from storm damage…because it’s not always a Mother Nature
event!

Under the directorship of Mark D. Hagen (MAg), HARI continues as a world leader in psittacine aviculture. From the humble beginnings in a warehouse operation with imported parrot species to the state of the art psittacine aviculture facility located on a mountain side in Rigaud, the HARI Team has learned and shared a great deal in the way of companion bird keeping. While some things in aviculture have changed, some things remain the same such as experiencing the passion of parrots.

What’s changed?

First of all, the vast variety of parrot species that make up the HARI Flock.

At one time the HARI flock consisted of quite a variety of parrot species to include many cockatoo species as well as smaller South American species. Currently, the HARI flock consists of ten main core species that excel as companion pets in today’s society. This is especially beneficial with the HARI developed technique of raising companion birds – the 6 stages of Early Parrot Education. We have touched on some of the stages in previous blog posts, with lessons in towel cradling, flight harness training, bathing, preening as well as nutrition. These lessons are critical in weaning parrot chicks so that they are prepared for their life as a companion pet.

The many faces of the Avian Community reflected in Parrot Life Magazine- the official publication of HARI. Unlike many other companion animal segments, the Parrot community is so varied with interests in companion, aviculture, medical, and especially a topic dear to the hearts of the HARI Team, conservation. While the publication is limited in print, we do invite readers to get the complete volume set in PDF form at the HARI web site. And, not to worry, there will be more!

What’s the same?

Aside from the many challenges the day to day facility brings, it is the passion of parrots that keeps HARI running! As anyone who cares for animals can attest, the caretaker’s day is not always smooth. HARI has experienced aviculture diseases such as Pacheco’s Virus, PDD, as well as everyday diseases that have resulted in depth research investigation in natural therapies. Mark Hagen and members of the HARI Staff have shared their experience and have spoken at Avicultural conferences all over the world. Work in the areas of disease continues as the HARI staff members collaborate with top avian veterinarians and veterinarian techs throughout the year.

HARI continues to serve as the testing facility for HARI Approved products such as Tropican, Tropimix, Prime and Living World products such as foraging and enrichment Natures Treasures Toys and new Clay-Cal.

The HARI Team wishes to say thank you to all that have supported our work and especially to those in the Avian community. IT is truly a shared Parrot Passion that will keep us going for the next 25 years!