Merlin the macaw spreading his wings at new home in Ontario

Merlin the Rainbow Macaw, a beloved mascot in Halifax, has found a new friend and is showing signs of improvement in his health at an Ontario nature park where he is undergoing rehabilitation. For two decades, Merlin greeted visitors at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic until declining health forced him into retirement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Merlin’s interactions with humans decreased, leading to stress-induced feather plucking. Concerned for his well-being, his caregivers sought out a new environment for him to recover and be around other birds.

Taryn Hipkiss, the general manager at Safari Niagara, revealed that Merlin’s feathers have regrown, and he now shares an enclosure with Kiki, a female blue and gold macaw. The staff is pleased with Merlin’s progress, and if it continues, he may be on display for the public to see this summer.

Upon Merlin’s arrival at Safari Niagara, there were concerns about his mobility as he seemed hesitant to leave his perch. While he cannot fly yet, the caregivers have devised a plan to encourage him to walk around more. They have also diversified his diet and encouraged him to bathe himself to promote natural parrot behaviors. In addition, Merlin’s social life has been a focus, as parrots are social birds that can become depressed if kept alone. Initially hesitant to interact with Kiki due to his lifelong exposure to humans, Merlin has since warmed up to her with the help of the zookeepers.

Merlin’s progress is seen as a “prime example” of bird rehabilitation at the zoo, with Hipkiss noting that macaws typically live well into their 80s, giving Merlin plenty of time to adapt to his new surroundings. His transition is going well, and the staff is following his lead in determining the pace of his recovery.

The journey of Merlin’s rehabilitation and newfound friendship with Kiki showcases the dedication of the caregivers at Safari Niagara in providing a supportive environment for exotic birds like Merlin to thrive. Visitors can look forward to seeing Merlin and Kiki interact in their shared enclosure, a heartwarming display of friendship and resilience in the animal kingdom.