LOS ANGELES, CA – A disturbing trend has emerged in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, where wild parrots—cherished by some and criticized by others—are being found injured or dead under suspicious circumstances.
Cleo Watts, founder of the nonprofit animal rehabilitation center Cleo’s Critter Care in Pasadena, said she has received multiple reports of parrots suffering severe injuries or being killed.
“I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls for birds being shot down,” Watts said. “It’s very upsetting to know that somebody would do this to these animals.”
The region’s colorful parrots, known for their vibrant feathers and loud calls, have been a part of the local ecosystem for decades. While admired by many, they are also seen as a nuisance by some residents in Pasadena, Altadena, and other parts of the San Gabriel Valley due to their noisy behavior.
“We have leaf blowers, people with loud car exhausts, crying babies, barking dogs,” Watts said. “We don’t go shooting them. So why these guys?”
This is not the first time wild parrots have been targeted in the area. Last year in Temple City, nets placed in trees resulted in the deaths of several parrots. Watts said that recent incidents suggest the birds are now being shot with a weapon.
In the past few weeks alone, 11 parrots have been reported killed or severely injured. Some of the surviving birds have been placed in Watts’ care, with several requiring intensive treatment from specialists. One parrot brought to her was missing half of its wing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about these attacks to contact law enforcement. Residents who find injured parrots are encouraged to reach out to Watts at [email protected] for assistance.
The incidents have sparked outrage among animal advocates and community members who fear the deliberate targeting of these birds reflects a broader disregard for local wildlife. Investigations are ongoing as officials work to identify those responsible.
