The Pueblo Chieftan Article - March 22, 2009

BIRD'S WORDS WIN AWARD

DENVER (AP) - A parrot that alerted his owner about a baby who was choking was recognized as a hero by the Red Cross.

Willie the parrot was given the Animal Lifesaver Award during the "Breakfast of Champions" event attended by Gov. Bill Ritter and Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Willie received the award Friday for his actions in November, when he and owner Megan Howard were baby-sitting a toddler. Willie repeatedly yelled, "Mama, baby" when Howard went to the bathroom, and the toddler started to choke on her breakfast.

Howard saved the baby by performing the Heimlick maneuver, but she says Willie "is the real hero."

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What an amazing story! Many humans believe that animals have no real ability to process data, and make decisions about an appropriate response. These same people often believe that animals do not have souls or true consciousness, as we humans know it. Here is proof of the opposite. This parrot, Willie was a visitor to this household...not even a family member, and still he was motivated and intuitively knew what was needed to save this baby. The Animal Kingdom has many things to teach us. Here is one more!