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Sunday Smile: Paulo Guacamole’s Release

September 6, 2026

You may remember the story of Paulo Guacamole, the wild Orange-winged Amazon Parrot who was surrendered by someone who was keeping him as a pet for a more appropriate life in the forest. Because the bird had been inside for a long time, he understandably had trouble flying when he first arrived into our rehabilitation program. But, after adjusting his diet, distancing him from humans, healthy feathers filling in, and time in one of the larger sanctuary flight cages, we saw on the observation cameras that he was indeed flying and for longer distances over time. He was also vocalizing with the other parrots of his species who flew by, and he seemed strong and ready to go. So, for this week’s Sunday Smile, we’re going to share a longer story than usual!

Parrots are diurnal and less active at night, so one morning we made a plan to send him off early, ensuring he’d have a whole day to get adjusted to his new surroundings, and for us to monitor him. We looked for areas where his species of parrots often congregate for a spot to release Guacamole back into the wild. We placed food on a tall platform in the trees and a little bit of fruit on some nearby branches (in case he wasn’t fully ready to find food on his own), and then opened up the crate. He didn’t take off immediately, but he walked out quickly, looking fairly relaxed. Since he didn’t take flight right away, we stayed at a distance and observed for a while.

After a few minutes of quiet, Guacamole continued to relax in the same area, so we thought it would be best to leave him to get acclimated to the world outside the rehabilitation area. After a few hours, we looked in on him and saw that he was still in the same area, but high up in the trees and vocalizing, presumably calling the flock that would interact with him before his release. After a brief few minutes, he took off from the tree and began flying freely–high and straight and long. We’ve continued to leave fresh food for him high in the trees, but it hasn’t been touched–so signs point toward Guacamole having found a welcoming new space. We have had a couple of animals return, even years after release, when injured, but we haven’t seen Guacamole since the afternoon of his release; if he ever needs us again, he knows where to find us. 

 

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Comments(11)

  1. REPLY
    Diane S. says
    September 6, 2026 at 2:17 pm

    Thank You for all that you did for Paulo Guacamole to make this possible. Have a most wonderful life dearest Guacamole 🦜💚

  2. REPLY
    Richie Chiger says
    September 6, 2026 at 2:37 pm

    What an incredible feeling for humans to do, and a real blessing for an animal to be released back into the wild. Excellent, fantastic, great and every other superlative I can think of. I wish this could happen for every elephant stuck in the doldrums and often torture, of captivity. I know there is some movement in that direction, but not nearly enough. Good for you guys, you really did a wonderful thing for that parrot, I have two parrots for years and years and I wish I could do that for them.

  3. REPLY
    Sue says
    September 6, 2026 at 4:06 pm

    What a wonderful story! Thank you for the update!!! ❤️🐘❤️

  4. REPLY
    Johnny says
    September 6, 2026 at 4:40 pm

    I often forget the sanctuary helps more creatures besides elephants. Good work folks. You are wonderful!

  5. REPLY
    Wim says
    September 6, 2026 at 5:00 pm

    Fly high and stay safe, Paulo. What a beautiful story, hopefully with a very happy end.
    Thanks to everybody involved for preparing the road of freedom to Paulo.

  6. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says
    September 6, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Thank you so much for caring these little souls with such a lovely devotion. Many blessings to you all.

  7. REPLY
    Doe Fowler says
    September 6, 2026 at 6:33 pm

    Fly free and wild, Paulo! May you find a mate and make lots of Guacamoles! 🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜

  8. REPLY
    Patricia Richardson says
    September 6, 2026 at 8:11 pm

    Oh my goodness! What a wonderful story!!! My two parakeets, Coco and Pippi live in a large flight cage (“Big House”) which sits inside our house (“Big Big House”) and they fly free , all day and evening watching on a Mac Pro screen the beautiful parrots of the Amazon and Australia! Now, knowing Guacamole is flying free in Brazil, we will be searching for his forest home and family flock! Thank you so very much for this beautiful posting!🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜

  9. REPLY
    Ada says
    September 6, 2026 at 11:42 pm

    I love this story! Thank you for taking him in, providing him with rehab so he can be strong to be able to fly and be with his parrot friends. Such a beautiful home for you to have your freedom, Paulo!🥰

  10. REPLY
    Susan says
    September 7, 2026 at 8:11 am

    What a wonderful story. Your kindness shows no bounds. Bless you for the work you do.

  11. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    September 7, 2026 at 6:07 pm

    Nice and like you saided he knows where you all are Thank you for everything you all have done for Guacamole and trust me he knows what you all have done for him

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