Gloria loves being with her ‘person’
Caring for any pet takes some effort and time, but Vicki Embrey knows well that some can be more demanding than others.
“It’s like having a 3-year-old child,” the Savage resident said of her blue-fronted Amazon parrot, Gloria.
But while Gloria may require the same companionship and attention as a toddler, the bird is middle-aged — 30 years old, to be exact. (Blue-fronted Amazons have a life span of about 50 years, Embrey said.)
Having watched her aunt care for a blue-fronted Amazon for 40 years, Embrey always wanted a bird like Gloria. But knowing how much care they require and how long they can live, she held off until she retired from her career as a teacher.
Shortly after deciding to retire, Embrey spotted Gloria at Today’s Pet in Columbia; she was immediately drawn to the bird, and adopted her in January.
Gloria didn’t take much time to adjust to her new home, quickly forming a bond with Embrey and, in particular, her husband, David.
“She really perks up whenever men come in. … As soon as [David] walks through the door she starts flirting,” saying “pretty girl” over and over, Embrey said.
Gloria mostly wants to know her “person” is nearby. She enjoys hanging out
Pet people
in her cage while Embrey cooks — especially when treats like sweet potato chips or “chop” (Embrey’s concoction of various chopped veggies and fruits) are on the menu.
Embrey cautions that a parrot is not an ideal pet for everyone and urges people to do copious research before adopting. But for this empty-nester, the circumstances were perfect.
“I figured we’d just be two little old ladies keeping each other company,” Embrey said. baltimoresun.com/unleashed. baltimoresunstore.com