Memorial to Merlin – July 14, 2024
We are sad to announce the passing of yet another great soul and prominent member of our family. Today our dear African Grey Parrot, Merlin, slipped away peacefully. Merlin had been with us for 30 years. So many of our important milestones on this journey were spent with Merlin by our side. Bonnie and Dawn opened their home to him in 1994 after he had been removed from a very neglectful situation. He was thought to be about 12 years old at the time. That made Merlin about 42 years old, but he could have been older.
From the very beginning, we realized that this bird was like having another human family member. He talked a lot. He whistled tunes. And he could mimic almost any sound that he fancied. He was wise. He was humorous. And he was a dynamic part of this farm for 30 years. It is impossible to express the hole that he has left behind.
But our hearts are filled with so many incredible memories and stories. Merlin understood so much about the human psyche and heart. He never screamed for the sake of screaming. When he knew things were tense and stressful, he would remain very quiet and then he’d talk in a soft voice. Or he’d say something truly funny to lighten the load. He understood how to soothe an aching heart or how to put a tense situation at ease. He was a true diplomat.
We have so many examples of his wit, wisdom, and humor. One night a few years ago, Bonnie called Dawn late at night to come over to our big hall in the small animal facility. Bonnie was just getting ready to go to bed when all of a sudden a smoke detector started beeping its low battery signal. She couldn’t find where it was coming from so she called Dawn over to help find it and to turn it off. Dawn heard it as soon as she walked in. The two of them searched and searched but couldn’t find which one was making the offensive sound. Dawn finally decided on the one that it was and climbed up on the ladder to retrieve it. Bonnie said, “This will drive the animals nuts all night. We’ve got to shut it off.” Dawn removed the battery and the sound stopped. She said good-night to Bonnie and headed back home. Just as Dawn got to the door, the beeping started again.
“Well that was not the one,” said Bonnie. The beeping continued. We looked some more. And then just about the same time, Bonnie and Dawn both realized it was Merlin making the sound. When we figured it out he began whistling his happy tune loudly. He was quite pleased with his caper.
In more recent years, he lived in our large hall/meeting center. During staff meetings, he was known to quietly climb down from his cage and walk over and join the circle. He was one of the gang. A trusted family member. And he was so dearly loved by all of us.
There is so much more we could say. Endless stories. Countless memories. His distinct voice that he used to say “Hello!” every day. He talked a streak. He mimicked people and cats and ducks and guinea pigs with an uncanny ability. He was kind. He was grateful for all that he had and he let us know that.
In the past 18 months, Merlin had gone blind due to cataracts. He had some cardiac issues and other aging maladies. In recent weeks, it was as if he developed dementia. He stopped talking. He didn’t seem to know us anymore. Our hearts were aching. No more “Hellos”. No more whistles and affectionate clicks. Bonnie was his key person and he no longer responded to her either. He was like a shell of his former self.
This morning, a caretaker saw that he was doing something totally different and seemed to be trying to get attention. She had a feeling he was close to passing and called Bonnie. Bonnie came immediately to his cage and when she picked him up in her hands, he immediately settled down. The caretaker watching said it was clear that he was filled with peace. He passed in Bonnie’s hands just a moment later. Exactly where he wanted to be. It is hard to comprehend the depth of love that we had for him and him for us.
It is hard to close the chapter on an amazing 30 year journey. But he will live on in our hearts forever. The bird who has been with us through so much history and helped us move along into the future. He gave us so much and we will carry him with us forever.
Thank you dear Merlin. Thank you.
(Please see our soon to be released TattleTails and Tidbits July/August issue for a beautiful tribute that Bonnie has written for him.