Due to the lack of strong legal protections for farm animals, it is all too easy for hoarders to get their hands on animals like Willie — and all too difficult to confiscate these animals and prevent perpetrators from buying more.

Luckily, we succeeded in gaining custody of Willie and Reba. A concerned friend legally removed them from this dangerous situation and brought them to safety at our New York sanctuary.

The two are very bonded and protective of each other, and even after meeting the other birds in our waterfowl flock, they still spend lots of time alone together. They especially love paddling together in the pond. Life started off rough for these lovebirds, but now it’s going just swimmingly.