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programming. We appreciate your support! Warm
regards, Director of Membership” It is true that
Baba also listens to public radio every day.
We play it continuously on low volume, based on the
recommendation of an avian expert’s advice for
socializing parrots.
Several years ago, the former owner gave his pet of
fifteen years to CHEC. He informed us that the
scrawny bird was extremely lonely. In fact, this
parrot had pulled out his feathers in desperation.
He looked like a plucked chicken. The cry for help
was recognized by his owner, who worked long hours
and was unable to provide companionship for the
bird. Thus, Baba Louie greets staff, volunteers,
visitors and all who venture up the boardwalk to the
interpretive center.
Often, frustrated owners who can no longer deal with
their animals for some reason will simply release
them to fend for themselves in Florida’s
environment. Liberating exotic mammals, reptiles,
fish or birds into the wilds of southwest Florida
habitats creates numerous problems for the native
wildlife. We are grateful that this exotic bird was
given up for adoption rather than set free.
Every plant and animal has its niche in nature and
each habitat has what’s called a carrying capacity.
Some exotics can spread disease. Others will
decimate a plant or prey species that would have fed
the local critters. So, with Baba Louie as the model
poster child for exotics, staff and volunteers at
CHEC teach folks about native and non-native
species.
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Baba Louie |
Still all of that does not explain the mystery of
the postcard. Several reception volunteers have
become quite attached to the Amazon parrot. Some
bring him treats of vegetables, fruit, nuts and
pieces of muffin. Others sit near the cage to carry
on a conversation or sing. Baba babbles a somewhat
incoherent response.
Bob Elliot, CHEC volunteer guide and nature
photographer extraordinaire, has taken
pictures of Baba Louie showing how fully
feathered, healthy and colorful our adopted
pet has become over |
| the years he has resided at the
Alligator Creek Preserve. Lisa Phillips, Caniff reception volunteer, brings her
guitar and serenades the parrot during her
three-hour shift. She proudly admits that she has
also taught him to echo, “I love you!” Dennis
Hungerford, Friday morning’s host, shares his
breakfast weekly. Baba Louie shrieks in excited
anticipation as soon as he hears Dennis’ voice. |
Receptionist Ann Scotten entertained a parrot-loving
lady one Friday afternoon who strongly recommended
that we suspend a swing from the top of the cage to
exercise and amuse the little prince. We did and he
ignores it. Yet, staff and volunteers continue to
share responsibility for our Amazon parrot’s health
and happiness. Obviously, one Baba-loving benefactor
has contributed to public radio in his name. Baba
Louie thanks you whoever you are. We, at CHEC,
appreciate the sentiment and sophisticated humor.
It’s like that here at the environmental center. We
are always being surprised and delighted by the
gifts that come from generous folks. We are an
18-year-old, non-profit organization with the
important mission of providing environmental
education, research, recreation and preservation
management for all citizens and visitors to the
Charlotte Harbor area. We receive support from our
corporate sponsors: Charlotte County, the City of
Punta Gorda, Charlotte County Schools and Peace
River Audubon Society. Friends, visitors and
volunteers continue to provide ongoing assistance.
We could never accomplish our goals without all of
your help and support. CHEC and Baba Louie thank you
and invite you to visit! 
Please click here for additional information
or if you would like to contact the
author of this article, Monica Dorken. Thank you!
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