Voël wings his way to love

GEORGE NEWS - An ancient parrot is spending its twilight years living the high life in the very heart of George.

For the past 15 years the 76-year-old Blue Fronted Amazon Green has been living it up after spending the first 61 years of its life couped up in a cage.

Ulla Taute from Dormehls Drift inherited the parrot from a long list of previous owners. She says because of their longevity, parrots often have numerous owners.

"Although Voël never experienced real freedom before coming to live with me, I know that he was much loved. One of his very first owners, a very elderly gent, came to visit, and was very touched to see Voël so content."

Born in Hartebeespoort Dam in Gauteng, Voël lived a large part of his life in Mafekeng and Pretoria, but he eventually travelled to George with Ulla’s sister who passed the bird on to her when she moved to Bredasdorp.

This was 15 years ago and Voël has never seen the inside of a cage since.

The parrot has the run (and flight) of Ulla’s lush garden and even though its wings remain unclipped, he has never attempted to make a duck.

And no wonder! Voël rules the roost and every night falls asleep on Ulla’s chest. The black Rottweiler Janos and ginger cat Trésor approach him with great respect and know better than to fall prey to Voël’s sharp beak or tongue. And with good reason, for when this parrot lets loose, he really lets you have a beakful.

As a seasoned traveller, Voël loves going out and has accompanied Ulla to the cinema, numerous restaurants, on many shopping trips and even to a rugby match at Outeniqua Park!

"He has a magnificent personality and has befriended the garden doves. When the doves sit down to steal some of Voël’s birdseed, he is quick to lean across and say a friendly ‘hello’."

In true parrot fashion he will eat most everything, even a sip of whiskey or Barocca. When it’s time for tea or lunch, Voël joins in and if he feels hard done-by, the host can expect a sharp peck to the mouth as a reminder that there is another hungry guest at the table.

Voël is always good for a laugh and keeps Ulla amused for hours on end. "He is incredibly intelligent and understands absolutely everything. Simply the best entertainer - never a dull moment."

And then he’s good looking as well! What more could a woman want?