FEATHERS were ruffled on Facebook as social media users circulated a photo of an African grey parrot that appeared to be in poor condition. An image of a parrot with few feathers left intact was shared as Facebook users questioned the conditions at Mitchell Park Zoo where the parrot is housed.
Today, The Durban & Coast SPCA responded to concerns, saying the parrot was well cared for despite its grim appearance.
Tanya Fleischer, spokesperson for the Durban and Coast SPCA, said an inspector has visited the zoo and examined the parrot’s cage and conditions.
“The adult male African grey, who has been plucking out his feathers, is in a cage where he has adequate space and which was clean at the time of inspection. Food and water is provided, and [the parrot] also has the company of a female in the same enclosure,” said Fleischer.
Fleischer said the bird’s plucking disorder is a chronic issue which has resulted in the feather follicles being permanently damaged.
“He is on a proper diet with vitamin supplements. Blood tests have been done previously to rule out illnesses such as beak and feather disease and Avian virus, among others,” she said.
A vet report was requested, and the African grey was taken to a private vet for a full assessment.
“The vet has confirmed the above and advised that the parrot is active, feeding well, and talkative. His examination revealed no symptoms of illness, and other than his appearance, he was found to be in a healthy condition which can be maintained through diet and enrichment,” said Fleischer.
Fleischer called on the community to avoid sharing fake news and to contact the SPCA if animal cruelty is suspected.
“We are aware of various posts circulating with photographs of birds. Please note that not all of the photographs in circulation are of the bird in question. Please check the validity of social media posts before assuming they are correct, as there is a lot of misinformation out there,” she concluded.
To report suspected animal cruelty, call SPCA on 031 579 6501 or email control@spcadbn.org.za.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za). At the time of going to press, the contents of this feature mirrored South Africa’s lockdown regulations. 
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