The Old Man Nobody Wants
I’ve always loved animals. My love for birds started when I was given my first bird as a child. It was a grey female cockatiel, given to me by Anila (a nun) named Carmen in America. Since then I have had more pets, including birds, dog, fishes…
I usually go and liberate birds…. I like to liberate fishes and Kechara Care now does monthly animal liberations. I encourage animal liberation for a variety of reasons – to give the animals some blessings by blowing the Medicine Buddha mantra on them, and to give them a chance of freedom. Another reason is to create the causes for our Kechara Animal Sanctuary (KAS) which we urgently need to help abandoned, abused and injured animals. So just a few days ago, I decided to adopt more birds. I just like animas free, happy, fed and unhurt.
What inspires me to do this? During Buddha’s time, there was a bird that flew over Lord Buddha and his droppings fell on Buddha’s robe. This create the causes, hundreds of years later, for this bird to become a scholar of Buddhism. All because he had made a connection with the Buddha. That is why I had the idea of placing Buddha images inside bird cages and aviaries so that the birds can make a connection and be blessed by Buddha.
If we do not start taking care of more birds now, how are we going to take care of more animals in future? Everything we do has to start somewhere small first. Some people ask why I buy animals from shops, and whether that just encourages those involved in the live animal trade to continue doing what they do. What I say is, the amount we buy is insignificant. And even if we stop, it will not stop people from catching the birds and selling them. But, by us buying the birds from them and letting them know we are going release them and/or take care of them, we will be an example of being kind to animals.
When I buy birds, or any other animal, I do not see them as pets, they are not for my pleasure or entertainment. Instead I try to give them the best food, environment and care that I can provide. I plant seeds in their mindstream by reciting mantras and blowing on them. That is the best I can do for them while they are in the animal realm.
In any case, while I was shopping for some birds I noticed a slow and shy African Grey. The shop had two African Greys, the younger was friendly energetic and cute and would be purchased super fast. But the older African Grey has been in the shop for FOUR YEARS. He is 45 years old and nobody wants him. The African Grey species can live up to 65 years old. The previous owner left the bird in the shop on consignment as he was having issues with his grandson bullying the bird. Later, his wife made him choose between the bird or his grandson and of course, he had to choose his grandson. However, the previous owner still drops by very often to visit the bird after giving him away. He cares a lot about him as he had the bird for 30 years. The bird was isolated in a small cage, all alone in the shop because the other birds often bully him due to his age. He just eats and sleeps because he is old…poor old thing. It broke my heart. I had to adopt him… and he arrived at the ladrang a few days ago. We will recite mantras to him, give him good food, fresh outdoor air and new friends….Maybe he will be happy again. I like the animals that no one else wants. I know how it is to be not wanted or cared about because of something you cannot help…..As Lady Gaga sings, I was born this way…..I know how it is not to be wanted or loved for something you cannot change…well Aki will be loved, cared for and taken care of. He will be outside in a large, gree, spacious aviary…He will be fed nice food and fresh fruits too….May Aki never suffer again…or abandoned…
Nobody wanted Aki and he lanquished for four years in a pet shop waiting for a new owner…it broke my heart on the spot. I said to myself immediately, I want you. I want you and I will take care of you. You will have fresh air, friends, greens and nice environment. I want you to come home with me Aki….As I wiped the tear from my eye…I arranged for his transport to his new home…
I found out his name is Aki but we have nicknamed him ‘Old Man’. He has been placed in a new and bigger cage in the Ladrang’s aviary, which is solely for him alone. We will observe him and see if he is being bullied by other birds and how he is adapting to his new environment. So far so good, no complaints.
I’ve also asked the Ladrang to create a manual on how to care for Aki and this can also be applied to all birds in the aviary. I want everyone to learn how to care for them. Animals cannot speak for themselves or tell us what is wrong with them. They are defenseless and it is our responsibility to ensure their every need is well taken care off and that they are happy and well…
Tsem Rinpoche
45 year old African Grey arrives in Tsem Ladrang…this is the cage he arrived in..he will be transferred to a much larger place so he can stretch and have new friends, air and greens…
Isn’t Aki very cute hehe…
Aki eats very slowly and gently. He will be well taken care of in the Ladrang with lots of love…
May the Buddha bless him and all animals that see His image… The aviary in Tsem Ladrang has Medicine Buddha or White Tara statues in it to plant seeds in the birds’ minds so that they will take a good rebirth and come across the Dharma in future.
CARING FOR AKI (AFRICAN GREY) & OTHER BIRDS
1. Cage/Bird House Position:
Ensure Aki’s house is placed half in an area where there is sunlight and half sheltered from it. This is so that he can go towards the sun when he feels cold and go back in the shade when he feels too hot. The cage should also not be too near the areas where rain could easily splash in and get him wet.
2. During the rainy season, ensure that there are lights or heaters in the aviary to keep the birds warm.
3. Food/Fruits that Aki likes:
– Sunflower seeds
- Corn
– Apples
– Banana
– Papaya
Always ensure fresh food and water are given daily. Containers must be washed and green algae build up should be scrubbed off. Bird feces on perches must also be scrubbed/washed away to prevent of any skin problems or ailments for the birds. In the wild it is okay because the rain washes the feces away but it different in an aviary.
4. Transferring Aki to another cage:-
– Place the cage you wish to transfer him to beside the one he is in. Open both cage doors, placing them facing each other so that there are NO GAPS between the two cages. Slowly coax him to cross over to the other side. Talk quietly to him and encourage him with hand gestures, tapping on the cage he is in gently to persuade him to go into the other cage you want him in. Never shout or make sudden loud noises or hit the cage hard!
- If this fails then use a towel to gently wrap him up and quickly transfer him to the new cage.
- If this fails, then you may try to catch him by slowly encouraging him on to your hands. Make sure you always have your hand in the shape of a fist when approaching him as he can bite your fingers off! This should be done by Bird experts/Justin/BK only.
5. Adapting to the new environment (big aviary):
– Observe Aki for 2-3 weeks to see how he is adapting and reacting to his new environment.
- Reactions we should look out for:
- Is he shying away?
- Is he acting nervous, is his heart beating very fast, is he moving about vigorously?
- Is he making fearful screaming noises?
- Is he being aggressive, wanting to attack when other birds come near him OR is he comfortable, staying still, moving around happily and making friends?
- If he is comfortable and showing signs of wanting to play/come out from his cage after 2-3 weeks of observation, then we can open his cage door and observe another 2-3 weeks to see if he comes out to explore. Ensure food and water are placed inside the cage and outside near his cage as well so that it is easily accessible. Always leave his cage door open.
- If he is comfortable in the big aviary and has no problem finding food, is eating well and getting along with other birds, then it is a good sign which means he is ready to be in the aviary. However, we should still leave his cage in the aviary and the cage door open, for at least 3 weeks. It is his home and security for whenever he feels like returning home. We can remove Aki’s cage only if he does not go back to it at all.
- Always observe birds in their own cage first for 2-3 weeks before introducing/releasing them in a new aviary/environment.
6. Introducing an African Grey to Cockatoos is not a problem according to our bird expert. They usually get along.
7. When it is a very hot day and we see birds breathing with their mouths open, we should shower water lightly on their backs avoiding their nose area. We must be very careful to ensure that water does not get into their noses as this may cause them to get a chill or fall sick. Alternatively a bird bath can be placed in aviary and must be washed daily and fresh water replenished.
Nobody wanted Aki and he lanquished for four years in a pet shop waiting for a new owner…it broke my heart on the spot. I said to myself immediately, I want you. I want you and I will take care of you. You will have fresh air, friends, greens and nice environment. I want you to come home with me Aki….As I wiped the tear from my eye…I arranged for his transport to his new home…Tsem Rinpoche
Oh, Dear Aki,
I am so happy for you!! Try not to be too afraid in your new home. Everyone loves you so much.
This is a very big change for you and it might take you longer than what Tsem Tulku thinks. You just take all the time you need. If you start pulling out your feathers, or you begin rocking back and forth, or sitting on the bottom of your cage all puffed up, tell them this is because you are nervous and afraid and maybe sick, and I bet you will get a nice blanket over your own cage so you can hide and good seeds so you can be healthy.
My real hope is your dear friend who had to give you up will come and play with you, and the other birds will be happy friends you can enjoy. Your name is in my heart, and I will always remember you, Aki.
I am so very happy for you! Scream loudly! Tell everyone how happy you are when you become happy!
Tsem Tulku loves you very very much. I hope I hear many good stories about you for many many years to come.
And I know you are not a very old man! You are in middle age! Not very old at all for a beautiful gray. You are very handsome indeed.
Much much love my dear friend. I hope someday I can come and you will sit on my hand or my shoulder and you can walk around outside with me, even visit the gompa to get a refuge name!
I love birds very very much, especially you, Aki.
Suzan
Mingyur Pema Yeshe Wangmo
and Pema Rinchen Tsering, who is an old man too. He is almost 25 years old! He is a cockatiel like Tsem Tulu’s first bird.
Aki is very blessed to have been adopted by you. May the blessings of the Buddha wash over him. African Greys are very good talkers so you could train him to say a short mantra. If you played a mantra by him in no time would he pick it up and repeat it, bringing him even more blessings while he blessed others by saying the mantra. May the rest of Aki’s life be happy.
A new friend Aki in the ladrang, and poor Aki. Now he will be taken care with love and a big space to fly around with new friends.
Very nice to hear such loving care.
Rinpoche, you show such love and care for those whom nobody wants. This is an inspiring story.
True compassion is when you do something to ease the suffering of other beings who cannot express their appreciation or thanks to you. You do it because you really care from the depths of your heart. That’s how Rinpoche is like. Always caring for animals and doing all he can to make their lives better. Aki is just one of the many countless beneficiaries of Rinpoche’s kindness.
“Some people ask why I buy animals from shops, and whether that just encourages those involved in the live animal trade to continue doing what they do”
Thanks for sharing , i also encounter the same question from friend and we don’t have much conclusion on this, i can share the view to my friend.It touching to see the schedule to take care Aki, it show true love and care to animals.
Dear Rinpoche,
I like very much the schedule you have prepared on how to take care of Aki. It shows how much you love this ‘Poor Old Man’ who has been cast aside and left to languish in a pet shop for four years. It is the same love and care you show Mumu and Oser.
Aki is very blessed to be with Rinpoche.
Thank you, Rinpoche, for showing by your fine example, what it means to have true compassion. May Kechara Animal Sanctuary manifest quickly for the sake of all animals who are being thrown away, neglected and abused.
Dear Rinpoche,
“During Buddha’s time, there was a bird that flew over Lord Buddha and his droppings fell on Buddha’s robe. This create the causes, hundreds of years later, for this bird to become a scholar of Buddhism. All because he had made a connection with the Buddha. That is why I had the idea of placing Buddha images inside bird cages and aviaries so that the birds can make a connection and be blessed by Buddha.”
I have see a few videos in youtube where they put Buddha status in aquariums however many have told me that it is irrespectful to do so as the aquarium is too dirty for us to place a Buddha in there.
What is your opinion on this?
Place it in is ok..the benefits outweigh the disbenefits. TR
It is coming to slightly more than a year since Aki arrived at Rinpoche’s place. I wonder how is Aki doing now.
It is so true that it feels very hurt when we are abandoned for factors that we have no control over, such as age and sickness. If we only talk about animals in the pet shops, surely younger and stronger ones will be bought first. Everyone wants healthy animals which don’t bring troubles.
It must have been sad for Aki in those four years to have to be stucked in a small cage seeing his friends leaving him one by one. Deep inside his heart he must have been feeling very sour, yet he couldn’t speak it out.
He was fortunate to have met Rinpoche, who rescued him out of sadness. If Aki is still in the ladrang, I feel that he must be living a much happier life.
How is Aki doing now! After more than a year??
His gift to all of us -who read this story- is that he gives us the opportunity to open up our heart. So please thank his for this and I wish him a very comfortable and healthy happy old day, may he be well and be in contact with the Dharma always.
There are six realms that beings can take rebirth into. Aki or other animals may have been a human in previous lives. Its a possibility. So how we treat Aki now is related to how we treat human too. Thank you, Ladrang and Rinpoche for saving Aki and give him better life.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing. To me, it is not an easy task to take care any animals. Taking care animals needs lots of time and be patient with them. From this sharing, i realised that it is true, animals can’t tell us what is wrong with them, and, they are harmless for us. May i be more mindful when come across taking care any animals.
Thank you Rinpoche for showing me the basic compassion that i should have as a human towards an animal.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for the sharing. I am glad that Aki was very fortunate to meet up with our dear Guru.It is true compassion to choose the weak over the young and beautiful one, when you are given a choice.But in doing so, we must take on the true responsibility to make sure we could care for the weak and sick properly.If we go half the way and neglect the well being of the bird then after we purchase it, then we are in fact shortening the birds life.
True Compassion must come with Wisdom,thank you for the kind reminder.
I enjoyed your story about “The Old Man.” I was given a African Grey by an elderly friend who no longer could care for him. I am a bird person with two other parrots and felt I would have no problems with him. Well, it took a whole year for “Butch” to fully accept me and not bite. His bites were unbelievably severe–to the bone if you could believe that. My fingers were bandaged for a whole year as I constantly had new bites. Now he is quite sweet and we have a wonderful relationship. He tells me constantly how much he loves me and I believe it is true. Thank you for taking this elderly bird in–once you get him to trust, you will have a wonderful life together.
Aki is very fortunate to be rescued by Rinpoche. Animals have feelings too and they feel sad when neglected or abused. Its great that Aki who is now in his twilight years will receive good care and love in the Ladrang. My pet dog is 11 years old and almost blind. It breaks my heart to see him knocking himself when he moves around and occasionally he gets epilepsy in the middle of the night. We should not abandon our pets when they grow old and sickly. Luckily, we have Lord Manjushri’s pendant conceived by Rinpoche for our pets to wear. May KAS manifest soon so that we can do our part in helping these poor animals.
Aki may have the karma to be in the animal realm, but he had the merits to meet with a compassionate buddha who takes care of him. His is a good example of the Lamrim teaching of throwing karma and completing karma. Being reborn in the animal realm is the nonvirtuous throwing karma but being taken care of by Rinpoche is the virtuous completing karma. Thank you Rinpoche for leading by example.
It sad to read about Aki being stuck in a cage for 4 years. I cannot imagine myself in a cage for 4 hours! I believe that Aki and the rest that came across Rinpoche is truly a BLESSING! Yes, their karma to be born in the animal realm is not good but they have the merits to see and here Rinpoche. I would like to say thank you, Rinpoche for instilling the kindness of rescuing and feeding the strays. I love feeding them whenever I see them now. I am truly blessed as well.
Sorry. here Rinpoche = hear Rinpoche
Even though Aki is born in the animal realm yet he has the merits to receive Rinpoche’s love, care and blessings for him to take a better rebirth. Now Aki does not have to be in a small cage, he has more space in the aviary and well taken care of by Rinpoche and the Ladrang team.
Aki the “Old Man” is such a beauty
He is fortunate to meet Rinpoche and have taken under good care by Tsem Ladrang Team. Thank you Rinpoche for adopting this sweet little old man.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing. May Aki be happy and well always.
I never knew there is so much knowledge of taking care a bird
Aki is very very lucky to ‘meet’ Rinpoche, otherwise I would not dare think of what would happen to him. It is normal human behavior to look for the best and seek perfection in everything, and by reading this kind act by Rinpoche, we really do have to look at things differently and change our perspective.
Through Rinpoche’s compassionate love and care , AKI the old man was save from the pet shop. He is such a fortunate bird that received blessing from Rinpoche. May Aki live long and always healthy.
I am so happy for Aki!
万物众生皆有情！感谢仁波切总是关怀被遗弃的动物，它们才是需要被关怀的。感谢詹拉章对Aki的照顾，从细节上已经看出仁波切对待众生的认真以及真心付出的爱。感恩Aki能遇上仁波切，这也是Aki前世修来的功德！佛菩萨的加持力量是不能忽视的。
Rinpoche shows so much compassion for pets that people do not want. I think everyone wants to buy young cute lovely pets but Rinpoche doesnt buy them for entertainment or leisure as stated above but to care and give the best to the animal. Felt happy for ‘Old Man’ to be cared for by Rinpoche as i am sure it will have the best under Rinpoche’s care
This blog post reminds me of Gizmo, the 9 year old Shitzu that Jean Mei, Ethan and Bryan saved from an animal shelter. He was to be euthanised three days before he was saved. Today, Gizmo goes to work daily with his ‘new owners’ to Tsem Ladrang, gets to see Buddha images everyday and even gets to listen to mantras. Looking at Gizmo and how his fate/karma took a 180 degrees change must have been the results of someone somewhere planting a good karmic seed in him in one of his previous lives and when the conducive condition arose, he was saved.
I am sure Aki is the same and may more beings who are unable to fend for themselves be blessed and have some dharma imprint for their future lives.
Ignoring and overlooking the sufferings and pains animals so obviously experienced do not make us good human beings. Cruel acts make us unwanted, hated and avoided. We dont deserve that, so dont create the causes for it. The numbness we developed in hurting animals makes us inhuman – heal ourselves by healing and caring for others – especially for animals, they have no control over their lives and to the terrible ordeals of their sufferings. Rinpoche has always taught by examples as shown in this blog, and we should take heed, learn and follow. Thank you Rinpoche for your enlightened teachings.
Aki have very good Karma that make he / she can meet Rinpoche. Rinpoche is truly compassion against all sentient beings. We notice that Rinpoche always care and love to his students and friends hence Rinpoche show us a very good example to care for all sentient beings.
Thanks Ladrang teams for always taking good care to Aki…
多么幸运的一只鸟，能被我们得上师从宠物店里救了出来。仁波切总是身体力行的告诉我们，要在修行的道路上有慈悲心，对待众生要平等，这样一来，自己在修行的道路上才会有所成就。老实说，以前总是觉得要做到以上所说的并不容易，而且会找很多的理由而不去做。但是，现在看到连仁波切这么有福德的人都需要做，更何况我这个凡人。从现在开始，我会以仁波切为榜样，培养慈悲的习惯，好让我在修行的道路上，能有更精进的成绩。
Aki is a lovely bird, very gentle and sweet and wants social contact.
I am so so happy for Aki !
As long as the animal, bird, fish, reptile, insect have breath, they all have feelings ! And we, being the supposedly most evolved and intelligent of all the mammals, have the responsibility to care for all these wonderful beings.
Thank you Rinpoche for rescuing Aki and giving him a good and loving home. Aki may just be a bird, but i read somewhere that birds are highly intelligent beings especially the parrot family who also has a strong sense of loyalty. I can’t possibly imagine how poor Aki must have felt being abandoned by his human family after staying with them for 30 years !
I’m sure Aki is happy now. As an ‘Old Man’ , he may take some time to settle in , but i’m sure with all the tender loving care he is given , he will be one happy bird !
Rinpoche’s love for animal and humans are alike. His love is genuine without agenda and is unconditional.
i agree to you Irene, i have never met such a loving and caring person in my life like Rinpoche. Totally amazing!
Hmmmm…. Poor Aki and the previous owner = ( They must be miss each other very very much = ( Hope Aki will be happy after this = ( And thank you Rinpoche for always rescuing the animal, especially those “stuck” in a pet shop for a time. Thank You.
The sad truth is, when we “buy” or adopt pets, we often look for the young, cute and healthy one, we rarely will take any old and abandoned animals into consideration because we want pet as companion or rather entertainment?
A truly kind and compassionate person like Rinpoche would rather adopt the old and weak one like Aki, which is being paid lesser attention and care. We seem to forget we will get old and less fit one day eventually and we have no control of this natural process, how would we feel if we get abandoned and despised? We believe in Karma but if we don’t put the virtue in action, merely believe doesn’t benefit us.
I am happy to read that Aki has found love again after being abandoned for 4 years. I am sure the previous owner, after spending 30 years with Aki will miss him very much too. I hope that he is able to find this post and learn where Aki is and know he is doing well under the care and love of Rinpoche. And perhaps even pay his good old buddy a visit. _/\_
Rinpoche loves animals, when Rinpoche goes to a pet shop to buy animals, he will choose the old or sick ones because no one will buy them and most of the time they are not treated very well. Rinpoche will study the habituation of the animals very well, create an environment that is suitable for the animals and make sure they are very well taken care of. Rinpoche always says animal are weak and helpless in comparison to a human being, we cannot take advantage of them and ill-treat them. Of course from a Buddhist view, it is because that animal might be our mothers, family many lives time ago.
Aki will be very happy stay with Rinpoche,because Rinpohe’s love and compassion.
Aki will have the fresh air,fresh fruits and lot of new toys.
I like feed birds, i got an experiences feed the birds at tambun’s “Lost World” is fun !! i like it !the birds like me too !(cos i got foods)
Aki is definately very cute. we went to ladrang 2 to 3 weeks earlier and we saw him aunty joy and bryan explained to us about all the birds in the aviary. and bryan said that Aki was abused at the pet shop. i was so glad Rinpoche bought him from the pet shop.
I’m so happy that Rinpoche chose to adopt this bird. He is very cute. But its just sad that he had to spend four years inside a small cage in a pet shop.
I hope that Aki is having an amazing time an Tsem Ladrang, may he be happy in his new home. He doesn’t know how lucky he is to be staying in the Ladrang. And i was surprised when i was reading through the article that African Greys could live up to 65 years! Thats fantastic!
[...] in the pet shop for so long in a small cage, with no hope for a good life. Without much thought, I decided to adopt him. Now he is happily living with the other birds in the [...]
Thank You for adopting Aki Rinpoche. He is so lucky to have the people that care for him and love him around him. He didn’t deserve to be treated the way he used to be treated. I’m so happy for Aki, he is home.
i am so happy that Aki was adopted by Rinpoche and is now in the aviary with friends, at least hats what i hear currently. i think that he deserves a second chance and nobody wanted him, poor thing. please live long Aki and enjoy your life.