Annelize VAN der ryst

Actress

“I bought Barnaby as a baby in 2002 from a shop that sells exotic birds near our 7de Laan studios in Lone Hill. He responded well to me in the shop and climbed towards me in the cage, so I knew he was the one.

“Barnaby is now 15 years old and has outlived all my other pets. He is a strong, and sometimes noisy, presence in my house and life. It’s important to realise that an African grey parrot can have a long life – up to 75 years if they are healthy – and that they remain like little children who demand a lot of attention. It’s a mistake, and very cruel, to get tired of their presence and ignore them just because they become too demanding. They are flock animals and really become part of a family.

“The older I get, the more I appreciate Barnaby’s loyalty. He is such a friendly parrot, and he has also taken part in 7de Laan as Amorey’s parrot, Pietie. He was quite well-behaved on set, though a little nervous. Acting is not his thing.”