Why was an exotic green parrot flying around the halls of Akiba Academy of Dallas? It's all part of Akiba's commitment tobringing lessons to life! 

It all started with a green parrot in a book! Students in Ms. Lili Feingold's 7th grade Language Arts class have read and researched Kon Tiki; the historic expedition from South America to Polynesia on a small balsa wood raft in 1947. One of the “crew members” was a much loved green parrot named Lorita, who kept the six adventurers company. When Lorita was washed away by a wave on day 60 of their 101 day journey, the students were saddened, but curious about these animals. That's when Wings of Love was contacted.
 

Mrs. Deann Waggoner, Executive Director of Wings of Love, visited Akiba with three of her rescued feathered friends to teach about bird care, responsibility and stewardship.

Wings of Love Bird Haven, Inc, (www.bird-haven.org) a non-profit organization, began operating in the Dallas area when they became aware of the huge number of birds that were living a life of neglect and abuse. The organization is active in bird rescue and education, which is what brought them to Akiba. Students met Chili, a red parrot, Jade, a green parrot and Babes, an African Grey. Once the exotic birds became comfortable, they began to talk to Mrs. Waggoner, impressing everyone with their vocabulary and interactive personalities. Liora Zhrebkher remarked, “I never knew that birds really do have wonderful personalities!” Hailey Hoppenstein learned “that birds have feelings, just like people.”

Aaron Noble commented that before Wings of Love visited the school, “he wasn’t too interested in birds, but now he’d really like to adopt one.” Rachel Siegel noted: “I was never really a ‘bird person,’ but Mrs. Waggoner made me realize how amazing they are. I loved it when she told us about birds accepting people and befriending us as part of their flock. Even though these animals have gone through so much, they are still able to love.”

After meeting the parrots and Mrs. Waggoner, the Language Arts students reflected on reading Kon Tiki; “Now I am interested in reading more non-fiction and learning about birds and history. I’ve become a bird fan!” said Ketzia Abramson.

Mrs. Waggoner succinctly summed up the experience, “We do it for the kids and the birds!”

This article was written by Language Arts teacher Lili Feingold.