Nature employs its own immutable rules as to how it moves forward. It does as it wants with little regard to the inhabitants of the world. As living and breathing elements that live within the sphere, all things must adapt if they are able. Even living entities create their own sets of rules within the conformity of nature to ensure that survival is key. But often that results in unfortunate incidents much like the one that Ollie the cockatiel has endured.
As a young chick, Ollie was attacked by his father in the nest resulting in a mangled leg that was dislocated and twisted backward. Other wounds incurred by the attack were concerning. The initial thought was to euthanize the chick, but it was decided that the chick be allowed to pass on its own.
But Ollie was having none of that. Instead, Ollie rebounded, and despite his obvious handicap, Ollie developed completely unhindered by the disability. As of this writing, Ollie is 2 years old and as vibrant as can be.
A ‘Tiel Walkabout
Ollie lives with his “hoomum,” Robyn, who runs Huntington Stable Retreat, a bed and breakfast in Cambridge, New Zealand. Robyn also runs Bird Rescue Cambridge. Recently, it was bandied about that Robyn and Ollie undertake a complete walk on the Te Araroa Trail located in New Zealand at Cape Reinga. It’s roughly over 1,800 miles in length with one 917-mile straight-line trail that ends in Bluff. The intended purpose of the travel was to raise awareness of the need to get out and explore, as well as provide some needed contributions for the upkeep of the trail. A Facebook page, and an Instagram page were created to monitor and document the trip as well as other aspects of Ollie’s beautiful life.
As it turns out, the COVID pandemic and all the concerns that come with it have disrupted the continuous walk. But they still find the time to visit towns and other locations along the trail, albeit in parts. The goal is still there to urge people off their couches and into nature to enjoy the sights, sounds, and freshness of the experiences that can be had.
A funding page has been started at GiveALittle with the received funds being given to the Te Araroa Trail. You can visit that page here. You can also learn more about the Te Araroa Trail here.
Not only do we love a story of a bird fighting back from seemingly catastrophic odds as Ollie did, but we also love to see how they thrive despite disabilities that are great hindrances to normality. Ollie doesn’t seem to notice his, which we love even more. We wish the absolute best for Ollie, who looks adorable in all the knitted pieces that he wears.
I am interested in knowing how to make crochet sweaters for my parrot. Can someone please tell me how. I do know basic crochet.
I love Ollie. What a great spirit! Thank you for the story which encourages me.
I loved the article. In fact one of my cockatiel’s name is Ollie. Thank you for sending this to me.
Thank you for this heartwarming story! And I love the tiel wardrobe. ? for sale?
My sweet little 21 year old girlie tiel either fell and injured her foot or had a small stroke, which caused her to fall.
Her left foot appeared to be “limp” and she was dragging it behind her. It is impossible get an avian vet appt where I am located, so I really do not know what happened. I cried a lot but she carried on and never stopped eating. Now 3 mos later, she is back to her old self and walking just fine. These little critters have amazing ability to compensate and heal themselves, if they are protected. I am thrilled!! And so glad for little Ollie too.
This is flaptabulous Matt! Brilliant article & so incredibly generous. Thanks so much for supporting my epic Kiwi mission to bring joy to people around NZ, to help encourage people to get off the couch & go exploring, & my fundraising venture for Te AraroaTrust. Most gratefully, Ollie The-Cockatiel
Ollie is such a superstar! I admire his strength, what a little trooper. It was neat to learn a little bit more about him. This article was such a good read, keep it going Matt. Greetings from New Zealand.
A wonderful story of resilience and the love between Ollie and his Hoomum. I follow their Facebook page and their endeavours and many times it has been hysterical. They also support a lot of businesses in their area as well as the The Araroa Trail.
What a WONDERFUL story and a delightful, loving family. But who WOULDN’T love this adorable and plucky little ‘tiel (my favorite bird – and I love ALL birds)!
Most of all, these are the kind of people the world needs – the kind who give back and make the world a little better place.
If I ever get to New Zealand, I’ll be sure to stay at their B&B and in the meantime, I’ll help share this story.
YOU ROCK, OLLIE!!!!
And love those sweaters!!!!!
Love following Ollie and his adventures. Look forward to the time when he’s able to finish his journey on the Te Araroa trial. I, personally, hadn’t heard of the trail until I read his stories!
Such a wonderful story as to how our Critters, big & small, over come the odds. I had our ‘teil’, Skeeter, over 24 years and he went every where with us! His 20th Birthday was celebrated with many friends and lots of fun presies!
We miss him terribly but grateful for all those wonderful years. All the best Ollie–enjoy your beautiful life–keep on trekking!