Meet The Man Who Runs A Retirement Home For Birds Who Outlived Their Owners

The activist cares for over 1,600 birds and refuses to accept monetary donations. He just wants to make sure they're being properly cared for.

Ken Banks, bird sanctuary,
Credit: Photo Allan Reinikka/The Morning Bulletin

Humans aren’t the only creatures who are heartbroken when a close friend, spouse, or relative dies. Animals, as well, can grieve for those who played a big role in their lives. Fortunately, domesticated birds who spent the majority of their existence around compassionate caretakers needn’t experience the burden of loneliness after losing a loved one thanks to Ken Banks.

The activist, who lives near Rockhampton, Queensland, manages a retirement home exclusively for birds whose owners have outlived them. According to ABC Capricornia, the property he owns is home to over 1,400 birds – the oldest of which are already in their 90’s! It depends on the bird species, but most of the feathered creatures can live between 12 to 100 years old.

One cherished tenant is 91-year-old Popeye, a vibrant cockatoo. Despite losing his eye to cancer in the 70’s, Popeye is still energetic and excited to live life.

Banks, who is the vice president of the Rockhampton Finch and Parrot Club, is an inspiring activist because not only does he spend his days caring for the birds who suffered through losing their owners, he refuses to take donations which might be used to care for the critters. Reportedly, he just wants to ensure they’re being cared for.

“I’ve just got a soft heart for birds. I can’t see a bird being put down for no reason, when it’s reasonably healthy and I can give it a home,” Banks said.

Popeye the 91 year old cockatoo

RETIREMENT HOME FOR BIRDSMeet Popeye: he's an older gentleman living life to the full at 91 years old, even if he did lose an eye to cancer back in his 70s. Also, he happens to be a cockatoo.Ken Banks from Cawarral has loved birds all his life, and that's how he's ended up running an avian retirement home: if a bird's owner passes away or has to move into aged care, he'll take in their feathered friends to make sure the birds have a good home. That might mean a cockatoo, a galah – or a flock of hundreds of canaries.

Posted by ABC Capricornia on Wednesday, May 3, 2017

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