A cockatoo in Virginia was blind for about 10 years before surgery restored his sight; he became a therapy bird and raised a record $33,674, winning Pet of the Year
Sometimes, life throws us into the most difficult moments, only to make us stronger and shine brighter in future endeavors. While you might think this cosmic rule only applies to humans, that’s not the case. Today we tell you the story of the Virginia Cockatoo and its story of survival. Boo has lived in darkness for many years. Blind, neglected, stripped of their feathers and dignity, the Umbrella Cockatoos seem destined for a miserable life. Unable to perch, barely able to eat and sleeping on a dog bed at the bottom of his cage, his future looked very bleak.But Bu’s story doesn’t end there. Instead, it became one of resilience, compassion, and second chances. Now, through a life-changing surgery, the 41-year-old umbrella cockatoo has regained sight and is a certified therapy bird that comforts children, the elderly, hospital patients and the disabled. His amazing journey has now gained national recognition as he raised a record-breaking $33,674 and was named Pet Partners’ 2026 Pet of the Year, becoming the first bird ever to receive this prestigious title.
from darkness to light
A report in People magazine stated that Bu had an extremely difficult childhood. It was reportedly illegally smuggled into the United States, rescued during a police raid and mistaken for an aggressive bird before finding a loving home. He was kept in a cage for a year until his owners stopped caring for him.Amy Hurst (Boo’s keeper) and Boo met through the local bird club and the cockatoo was in a heartbreaking state. “He looked terrible,” Hearst recalled in an interview with People magazine. When he came back, he was half-feathered. He is not a muscular bird. He couldn’t even roost because he was blind and couldn’t eat and was in such bad shape. For the uninitiated, Boo has been blind for nearly a decade, and another bird took most of his feathers.
revolutionary surgery
While caring for Boo, Hurst learned about a new procedure at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine that could restore vision in cockatoos. She didn’t think much and continued the operation. The results were immediate and exciting: “He saw us right away,” Hurst said. “It worked.” For the first time in years, Boo was able to see the world around him. But his sight returned, and one thing he never lost: his wonderful affection for people.
Two survivors find each other
Hearst believes she and Boo bonded over something they had in common. In a conversation with People, she revealed that she is a survivor of breast cancer and physical abuse and understands resilience on a personal level. She found purpose in birds to stay active during the tough days of cancer treatment. At age 58, she went back to school to study animal-assisted therapy, became inspired by its healing powers, and became an animal-assisted intervention specialist. I was destined to meet Boo. “Our stories are interconnected,” she said.
Inspiring new horizons in animal therapy
Boo’s success also led Hearst to develop the Prism Bird Project, which pairs companion birds with neurodiverse children and those experiencing emotional or mental health challenges. Unlike many therapy animals, parrots can live for decades, allowing them to form lifelong bonds with their caregivers. Hurst believes birds have unique emotional intelligence that helps them connect with people in ways different from traditional therapy animals.
pet of the year
Boo’s amazing journey led to his historic victory in the annual Pet Partners Pet of the Year contest. The nationwide fundraiser includes 148 animals from 35 U.S. states and Canada, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, goats, turtles, birds and several other species. In total, participants raised more than $158,000 to support the Pet Partners Therapy Animal Program. With the support of a growing community, the cockatoo raised an unprecedented $33,674, the highest total in the contest’s history, earning it the title of National Pet of the Year and making it the first bird to win the award. His win also highlights the often-overlooked role of birds in therapy and emotional healing. Boo’s victory proves that even those who begin life in the shadows can be a guiding light for many.Image courtesy: istock and Bridsinthedoghouse
