We recently had the opportunity to meet a 111-year-old. He was cute, fluffy and about a foot tall. He was a bird – a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.
Fred is supposedly the third oldest bird with detailed documentation. On his 100th birthday in 2014, he was recognized by the Queen of England. For the last thirty years, he has lived at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary on the island of Tasmania, Australia. Before that, he outlived his previous caretakers.
When we arrived at the sanctuary, a volunteer was repairing the path in front of Fred’s enclosure. He filled us in on Fred’s interesting history, and when we told him we were animal communicators, he formally introduced us to Fred.
Immediately, we saw how Fred was grounded and attentive. He said he was glad to meet us. Anne then asked him what he’d like to share.
His first comment was, “I’ve been here awhile.” He probably overheard us talking about his history.
Then we asked, “What have you learned in your many years?”
He answered, “To be kind to the people who feed you.”
That was wise. Some people and animals never learn that.
“Also, I’ve found it’s not good to speak ill of others.”
He continued, “Be nice to most souls. You don’t know when someone’s going to be nice to you. So, you be nice to them first, and they will come around.”
“You are pretty smart, Fred,” Anne told him.
“I have been told that,” said Fred.
“When I look in your eyes, it looks like you’re really paying attention to me and our conversation.”
“Why wouldn’t I do that?” he replied.
“Well, because most people don’t. Most people are distracted by their own thoughts.”
“I do pay attention,” Fred said.
“What else would you like to say?” we asked.
He answered, “Not much is happening around here. No drama with you. Sometimes people are nervous and jump around. Other times they are fine. But generally, they pass by me quickly.”
“Well, you are grounded, Fred, and we appreciate that about you. Your thoughts are calm and centered.”
He said, “It serves me to be grounded. Who wouldn’t want to be grounded?”
“Many people are just ungrounded. They may not want to be, but they are,” Anne responded.
He said, “I know.”
It was getting late, so we thanked him for his time and our conversation and said we had to go.
He replied, “Have a good day.”
We said, “You have a good day, too, Fred. We wish you much goodness.”
Fred said, “I like that.”
Before we walked off, the volunteer who had been working on the path went up close to his cage. Fred pulled a tiny branch off the tree and pushed it through the wire mesh to give it to the volunteer. The volunteer gave him a reciprocal gift of an almond.
This was a fun game they played when they were together – a gift for a gift. We were then offered the opportunity to give Fred an almond for a twig. Fred went to the tree, found the right twig, pulled it off and give it to us. Then he thoroughly enjoyed the almond we gave him. What a treat for us all!
We ended by saying, “We really enjoy your company and our conversation. You are so adorable – we would like to take you home with us.”
He said, “I have a good situation here.” By that we knew he planned on staying at the sanctuary. He was not wishing for anything else. Life was good.
To learn more visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: https://www.bonorong.com.au