While not an official contributer to 'Of Two Minds,' Shelley's sidekick is an African Grey parrot named Pepper. His heros are Irene Pepperberg, Alex, and Rachel Carson. He spends his time learning Mandarin and writing the Great American novel.
African Grey Parrots Need Your Help!
Category: Birds
Posted on: June 24, 2008 6:05 PM, by Shelley Batts
Hi everyone, thought I'd drop by and say hello and remind ScienceBlogs (as well as myself) that I do still exist beyond the lab, and have not yet degenerated into a shadowy specter capable only of writing up data in the bowels of the University of Michigan. I have gotten very pale though, so that may be debatable. Anyway, the thesis work is chugging along and I now have a defense planned for December (of 2008!!!!). I'm currently looking around at post doc positions for after that, but not before I take a good long breather to the tune of 4-5 months playing Wii. Oh, and I'm getting married next May. ;) Oh, but the time does fly!
What pulled me out of my academic stupor long enough to blog was a kind note from Cristiana Senni over at World Parrot Trust, who asked if I would bring some well-deserved attention to their "Save the Greys" initiative. In a nutshell, World Parrot Trust is aiding the rehabilitation of confiscated African Grey parrots in Cameroon, taken from poachers who illegally trap the parrots for sale and export. Wild caught parrots suffer horrible mortality rates from improper handling and shipping (about 50% die in transit). Add to this the fact that wild trapping of parrots contributes to the decline of endangered or protected species.
If you love parrots as I do, please take a moment to visit World Parrot Trust, and if you are feeling generous, give a buck or two towards conservation.
Ok, back to learning style sheets for Word 2007, so I can fit my thesis into UM's odd formatting guidelines....
Environment
Comments
I'm getting married next May.
Congratulations! and thinks for the World Parrot Trust link.
Posted by: AgnosticOracle | June 24, 2008 7:58 PM
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about the Save the Greys Fund, it was very much appreciated.
And congratulations!
Posted by: Cristiana | June 25, 2008 11:23 AM
Thanks for information on the greys in the wild
Posted by: African grey owner of 14 years, Sue | June 25, 2008 3:01 PM
Why in the world are people still trapping wild animals to be sold as pets? Most of the people buying probably don't even have the time to domesticate them or hand-tame these parrots. Can people realize that they can adopt countless number of unwanted parrots (including these big birds) from bird rescues all over this country?
Posted by: theresearchlife | July 6, 2008 4:01 PM
'Please protect me' pleads helpless wolverine
Posted by: Tegumai Bopsulai, FCD | July 9, 2008 5:51 PM
Just remember- no powerpoint at the wedding, and no big white dress at the defense...
;)
Posted by: Lab Lemming | July 14, 2008 3:11 AM