Five years ago, Wendy Albright came across a Craigslist ad that would change both her life and that of a bird named Sweet Pea. The umbrella cockatoo in the listing was missing most of her feathers from stress and had injured her wing, leaving her unable to fly.
“The ad said her family didn’t want her anymore,” Albright — known online as The Parrot Lady — told The Dodo. “I was really sad.”
Without hesitation, Albright called the number and drove to meet Sweet Pea. The moment they met, the bird clung to her, sealing an instant bond.
“It was so organic and pure. I took her home the same day,” Albright said.
It wasn’t long before Albright discovered another challenge: Sweet Pea was having seizures. “I think she probably always had them; they had just gone untreated,” Albright explained.
Determined to give Sweet Pea the care she deserved, Albright took her to multiple veterinarians, eventually traveling from Boise, Idaho, to Salt Lake City, Utah, to see an avian specialist.
Her dedication paid off. Today, Sweet Pea is thriving. Most of her feathers have grown back, her seizures are under control, and her temperament has transformed.
“It’s like night and day from when I first got her,” Albright said.
Despite a challenging past, Sweet Pea now spreads joy wherever she goes. Recently, she had a tender moment with a boy on the autism spectrum.
Usually loud and energetic, Sweet Pea approached him with gentle eyes, quietly cooing and sitting beside him — completely in tune with his emotions.
“She meets everyone where they are. I think that’s a testament to how she can actually feel people’s emotional energy,” Albright said.
Sweet Pea’s personality has flourished in other ways, too. Nicknamed Drama Mama by Albright, the cockatoo recently faked a limp after being told she couldn’t have a treat.
She also shares a quirky friendship with her dog sibling, a black Labrador named Copper — mimicking his barks, much to the amusement of visitors.
And then there’s her bond with Albright herself. No matter how long they’ve been apart, Sweet Pea greets her like a puppy, hopping over and bobbing her head with excitement.
“She just loves unconditionally,” Albright said.
Parrots — particularly cockatoos like Sweet Pea — are among the most rehomed pets in the world, often because of their long lifespans and complex care requirements.
Albright hopes for a future where birds like Sweet Pea are adopted, not sold or traded, and encourages others to open their hearts to these remarkable animals.
Reflecting on her journey, Albright says simply:
“I didn’t save Sweet Pea. She saved me.”
Follow Sweet Pea’s adventures on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook to see more of her sassy antics, sweet interactions, and loving spirit.
