In this moving episode of Squawk Global, Kyle Kaplanis and Emily Vincent sit down with Jennifer, the caretaker of Sammy and Thumper, two African Gray parrots who prove that "special needs" doesn't mean broken. Despite losing their toes as hatchlings and lacking the "performer" traits many seek in parrots, these brothers have found a flourishing life that challenges the industry's obsession with perfection.

• Resilience Over Perfection: Sammy and Thumper were the last birds left at their rescue because they couldn't be handled and didn't talk. Jennifer discusses the importance of seeing past physical disabilities to respect a bird's complex soul.

  
  

• The Story of "Ballerina Feet": The brothers lost their toes in the nest due to overzealous preening by their parents, likely caused by stress or inexperience. Jennifer describes their unique "ballerina feet" and how they have adapted remarkably well to their environment.

  
  

• Adaptive Care & Innovations:

  • The Fireman Slide: Because they cannot grip traditionally, the birds use their beaks to clamp onto objects or slide down their cages—a move Jennifer calls the "fireman slide".

    
    

  • Cage Setups: Their habitat features horizontal bars, flat perches, and heavy padding with paper towels to prevent injury during frequent, unpredictable falls.

    
    

  • Health Maintenance: Without claws to clean their own nares (nostrils), Jennifer must take them for professional nasal flushes to clear out dust and debris.

    
    

• The "Talking Parrot" Myth: The hosts and Jennifer tackle the "dark side" of the parrot industry—the disappointment owners feel when a bird doesn't talk. Jennifer emphasizes loving birds for their unique personalities rather than their ability to perform.

  
  

• The Power of Community: Jennifer shares how her social media page has connected her with hundreds of other owners of disabled birds, providing a platform for education that even some veterinarians haven't encountered.

  
  

Sammy

• The "sweet" brother; slightly more independent but loves music.
• Loves cardboard shredding, whistling, and "good air" when he chooses to fly.

Thumper

• The "ham" of the flock; very attached to Jennifer.
• Loves wood-destroying toys and jamming out to "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons.

"Intelligent isn't always loud and special needs doesn't mean broken." — Kyle Kaplanis

"They're beings that rely on you and they're part of your family. They're not something that you're just gonna give up... they're not there to be your temporary entertainment." — Jennifer

• Follow the Boys: Find Jennifer, Sammy, and Thumper on Instagram @twograyguys.

  
  

• Listen to Gizmo’s Song: "Who Let the Birds Out" by Jetty Rachers (available on Spotify and Apple Music).

  
  

• Support & Education: Learn more about avian rescue and responsible guardianship through visiting us at squawkglobal.com