Love Sick As A Parrot
14th February 2012
He may be a pretty boy but Spike the parrot is ruffling a few feathers at Longleat Safari & Adventure Park after apparently falling beak over claws in love with his keeper.
The love-sick African grey parrot is so infatuated he has taken to following keeper Gemma Short around all day and refusing to leave her side.
The bond between the pair is now so deep that Gemma, 26, who got married last year, says she won’t be able to go on holiday again without Spike.
“I went on my honeymoon last year and realistically that’s probably going to be the last time I will be able to go away for any length of time for the foreseeable future,” said Gemma.
“I wouldn’t be happy to leave Spike on his own for more than a day or so and I know how sulky he gets if I’m not around,” she added.
Parrots are highly intelligent birds and African greys in particular are noted for their personalities and the deep attachments they develop with their owners.
The fact that they can also live for up to 70 years makes them a real long-term commitment.
Spike, who is also aged 26, was given to Longleat more than 15 years ago by his owner after he decided he could no longer look after him. Gemma has been in charge of looking after him for the last two years.
“Pretty much as soon as I was introduced to him for the first time it was obvious that he liked me. He’s quite shy around other people but he really comes alive when he’s with me,” she added.
Photos by BNPS
Longleat Opening Dates 2012:
Daily: Friday 9th March – Sunday 4th November