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In the latest development in a recent and alarming trend in Southern California, five more wild parrots were found mutilated in the San Gabriel Valley, some of which could not be saved.
Local wildlife conservationist Cleo Watts said the birds, all endangered species, were found in makeshift cages left on the train tracks in El Monte.
“Three of them had to be euthanized right away,” Watts told KTLA’s Jennifer McGraw. “Some had multiple fractures and one had lacerations on the left side of his body.” he said. “One of them had its beak completely torn off and split in two.”
Watts runs a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center called Cleo’s Critter Care, and this isn’t the first time he’s seen a parrot arrive in this situation.
In early December, parrots with gunshot wounds were found in Pasadena and Monrovia, with up to 11 dead or seriously injured.
Parrots have been injured or killed by suspects in and around the Pasadena area. (Cleo’s Creature Care)
Additionally, about a year ago, someone placed nets in trees in Temple City, apparently to catch parrots, resulting in several people falling, getting injured, or being run over and killed.
“We keep hearing about these birds being mutilated, and it’s shocking to think that humans are doing it,” Watts said.
Although the bird is not a native species, it has settled comfortably in the San Gabriel Valley, and while some residents enjoy its unusual presence, others clearly do not want the bird’s presence.
“We don’t know exactly why, or if they’re just annoying the noisy parrots,” said Ashly Cass of SoCal Parrot Rescue in San Diego. “It’s different if it’s an accident, but if it’s intentional, it’s heartbreaking and frustrating.”
Rescue teams will do their best to triage and save the injured bird. Some birds don’t survive, but others can be rehabilitated at a Southern California parrot sanctuary that takes in hundreds of birds each year.
Now rescuers hope to raise awareness in the local community and deter parrot poachers.
Pasadena Humane is currently working on this investigation after receiving multiple calls in various cities and is asking area residents to report any dead or injured parrots they see.
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