November 20, 2008

Willie, a 1-year-old talking parrot, called out for help when a Colorado toddler was choking, thus saving her life nearly two weeks ago. (Pet Pulse Photo by John Parker)

DENVER -- A choking toddler's life has been saved, her parents say, because one chatty green parrot knew just when to speak up.

Willie, a Quaker parakeet, was left alone in the room with 2-year-old Hannah Kuusk two weeks ago. As the babysitter, Megan Howard, who is also Willie's owner, was in the bathroom, a near tragedy began to unfold on Friday, Nov. 7.

"I started hearing Willie go wild," Howard said. "He started screaming and flapping his wings. There was serious panic in his voice. Like I've never heard before."

"I heard Willie say 'momma baby, momma baby,' " Howard said. "I knew something was wrong."

When Meagan rushed back in the room, she could see Hannah at the kitchen table, with her back to Willie, and her lips and face were turning blue. She had been eating a Pop Tart and was choking on a piece.

"And the second I got Hannah down off the chair and started doing the Heimlich, he stopped screaming," Howard said. He knew it was going to be OK after that."

And it was. Just a couple of minutes after Hannah coughed up the Pop Tart, she was running around the room like nothing had happened.

Howard and Willie the parrot hero were staying with the Kuusk family in Denver, where she and Hannah's mother, Samantha Kuusk, are studying to become veterinary technicians.

"This is by far the most amazing thing I've witnessed," Samantha Kuusk said. "I don't want to think about what may have happened had Willie not been here."

Howard got Willie when he was just a baby and has since taught him about 20 words. The Quaker parakeet, also known as a Quaker parrot, is known for its vocal and conversational abilities.

While Willie had said "momma" before, the first time he said "baby" was when Hannah was choking. He hasn't said it since.

"They're more than just property," Kuusk said of pet birds. "They have feelings, and they can sense when something is good, and when something is wrong."

The experience appears to have changed Willie, who now keeps a very close eye on Hannah. He only sleeps when she sleeps and stays awake when she's up.

Howard appreciates having another parental figure around the house.

"I thank God that Willie was here with me," Howard said.

For more on Quaker parrots like Willie, or other birds, visit Aviary.com.

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