When rescuers first saw Winnie, a 29-year-old macaw, they couldn’t believe how she had managed to survive. Her beak was so overgrown that it curved down beneath her chin, making it almost impossible to eat normally. She was waiting for someone to step in — and thankfully, help finally arrived.

A Call For Help

Winnie’s former owner could no longer care for her and five other parrots, so the family reached out to Mulberry Acres Parrot Rescue. Taking in six large birds at once was a big commitment, but when the rescue’s founder, Mandy Kocevar, saw photos of Winnie, she knew there was no time to waste.

“Her beak was severely overgrown, almost curling down into her neck,” Kocevar explained. “There is absolutely no reason for a parrot to have an overgrown beak like hers, and that image of Winnie was the main reason we fought so hard to get these birds relinquished to the rescue.”

How Did It Get This Bad?

Along with her beak issue, Winnie was also overweight — a rare condition in parrots. Rescuers believe her unhealthy diet played a major role.

“We were told the birds were fed Burger King often,” Kocevar said. “With overgrown beaks like hers, it’s usually caused by underlying health issues, made worse by poor diet. I believe that is the cause for this overgrowth.”

Despite her condition, Winnie had learned to adapt. She would scoop food into her beak and use her tongue to maneuver it into her mouth. But it was clear she needed urgent care.

Settling Into Rescue Life

Before rushing into treatment, the team wanted Winnie to feel safe in her new environment. Within days, her sweet personality began to shine.

“It’s obvious her previous owner showed her love and affection,” Kocevar shared. “Winnie is always ready to step up on your arm, get head scratches, and have her feathers preened. She’s also highly food motivated — if I’m eating lunch, she’s right there wanting a taste!”

Her affectionate nature made it clear she was ready for the next step in her transformation.

The Makeover

After a few weeks of settling in, Winnie was ready for her beak trim. An avian vet carefully worked on reshaping her beak in stages to avoid injury.

“Winnie took it like a champ,” Kocevar said. “She is feeling soooooo much better now. She will need another trim at her next checkup, but she already looks like a completely different bird.”

The results were stunning — Winnie could finally eat and preen without struggling, and her comfort level improved instantly.

A Bright Future

Today, Winnie is thriving at Mulberry Acres. She’s exercising daily, enjoying a healthy diet, and soaking up affection from her caretakers. Over the next few months, the rescue will decide whether she’ll remain as a permanent sanctuary resident or move on to a forever home.

“She’s got a brand new makeover, she’s getting daily exercise, and hopefully will be in the best shape of her life very soon,” Kocevar said.

For Winnie, the painful days of struggling with her beak are over. At nearly 30 years old, she finally has a chance to live her golden years in health, happiness, and love.