Rescuing Princess the Macaw

Video update from Princess and her foster family, Li, about Princess' recovery.

When a 39-year old Green-winged Macaw named Princess came into foster care with the Exotic Bird Rescue of Oregon on July 13, 2025, she was reported to have a history of abuse, neglect, and aggression. But when her new foster parent, Li, arrived at the previous owner's house to take her in, Princess immediately stepped onto their arm as if recognizing this was her chance at a new life.

Quick Action to Save a Life

Li was concerned for Princess right away. She appeared to be very overweight, and she was always perching hunched over. A few short days later, Princess began struggling to breathe with the slightest movement or noise in the foster home. She was taken to an emergency veterinarian that evening, and testing revealed that Princess had an egg stuck inside of her. She also likely had pneumonia, and initial images of her liver were concerning. Some test results would not be available until the next day, so Princess was sent home with recommended supplements.

The emergency vet called the Exotic Bird Rescue of Oregon the next morning after test results returned and shared that the egg was old, dense, had a rough shell, and appeared to have gas inside of it. It needed to be removed as soon as possible for Princess to have her best chance at survival. The emergency vet didn’t do these types of procedures, so after many calls to experienced vets in the region, the Exotic Bird Rescue of Oregon secured an appointment with DoveLewis Animal Hospital.

Community Saved Princess

Because the possibility of pneumonia would cause extra risk during surgery, Princess need to be on antibiotics for at least a few days first. Shortly after beginning her round of antibiotics at home, Princess was clearly feeling better already, playing with toys and sitting up straighter. Then, it came time for the procedure. We reached out to the community of bird lovers on our email list and social media--people like you--to help raise funds to cover Princess' $3,000 surgery. We were overwhelmed by the incredible way that the community stepped up to support her cause and, together, we raised the full cost of her emergency care!

The surgery was both straightforward and intense. The egg was large, in breach position, and had adhered to the lining of her uterus. The doctor confirmed that the egg had been stuck there for a while and that Princess would not have been able to pass it on her own--in other words, that surgery was necessary for her survival. It's because of her foster parent Li's keen observation, the discerning vets at the emergency hospital and at DoveLewis, and the quick action of the bigger community that Princess that she got the care she needed in time.

Flying Through Recovery

The surgery was a complete success, and Princess is recovering very well in her foster home. Foster parent Li commented just a couple of days after the surgery that it was obvious Princess feels so much better already, even though she is likely sore from the procedure. She slept a lot the first day, but has since been playing with toys, accepting lots of love and cuddles, and was even laying on her back, kicking her feet and playing with her soft collar after a couple days.

Li shared, "This girl is a true survivor and warrior! It honestly feels like a miracle she made it this far!...I'm just thrilled that I was able to respond to her needs because the rescue was so supportive in getting her the necessary care. I'm so happy that from here, it should be upwards!! She fought to survive all those battles and now, she'll get to live out the rest of her life comfortably."

A note for people interested in adoption: Bloodwork prior to surgery showed that Princess still had pneumonia, so her round of antibiotics was extended. She has follow-up bloodwork scheduled for August 1 to determine whether additional treatment is necessary. Once Princess has had a few weeks to recover and rest, she will be available for visits from potential adopters. Learn about our adoption process here.

A special thank-you to Dr. Kelly Flaminio and DoveLewis Animal Hospital.