In New York City, Queron Romain, a parrot shop owner, receives over a dozen inquiries every month to find new homes for birds, often because their elderly owners have fallen ill. Sometimes, the birds simply outlive their owners.

Romain’s observations highlight a crucial point made by professionals: pet birds and turtles should be included in your will, even more so than dogs or cats.

These animals can live for decades, often longer than their owners, particularly if acquired later in life.

“It’s a daily occurrence,” remarked Romain, 30, who owns Empire Parrots NYC in Brooklyn.

While there isn’t specific data indicating how many pets outlive their owners in the U.S., numerous rescues nationwide are devoted to finding new homes for pet birds and turtles, which underscores the ongoing need for urgent fostering. Volunteers are working to educate potential pet owners on matching a pet’s lifespan with their own, or at the very least, establishing a plan for the animal’s future in case of their passing, according to rescue organizations speaking to YSL News.

On Long Island, Linda McGay, who runs a bird fostering service, frequently takes in parrots from urgent situations, often occurring when their owner has passed away without a plan.

“We manage these situations after a death,” noted McGay.

At 74 years old, she has 10 parrots, some of which are in their 30s and likely have several years ahead of them.

“My macaws will definitely outlive me,” she stated.

McGay has arranged for her birds in her will: “The birds are included. My daughter will inherit both the house and the birds,” she added.

What is the Lifespan of Parrots?

According to Romain, parrots can live up to 80 years, meaning many will outlive their previous owners. Cockatoos and Amazon parrots are notable for their longevity, often reaching 60 years or more with proper care, as indicated by veterinarians and zoologists.

Although the upper limit is around 60 years, many larger pet birds, like those in McGay’s home, can live to 40 or 50 years in captivity. She currently cares for four macaws, two cockatoos, and an African grey parrot, along with an eclectus parrot, a parakeet, and a nearly 30-year-old cockatiel named Toby, who is “significantly older than average,” considering that most parrot species generally live 10 to 15 years.

“These birds ended up here, and I couldn’t find new homes for them,” explained McGay, who operates the nonprofit Parrot Rescue New York from her home in Hauppauge.

McGay often fosters up to five birds at a time, many of which come from abandonment or accidents. For example, Toby was discovered on a golf course, while one of her macaws was found near New York’s JFK Airport. She also assists bird owners in drafting wills for their pets, which includes setting aside funds for the birds’ food and veterinary care.

What is the Lifespan of Turtles?

In Baltimore, Katrina Smith co-manages the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society and owns 10 turtles, most of which were given to her by a friend before he passed.

Smith’s turtles are all over 20 years old, with many expected to live to 50 or 60 years; certain tortoises and box turtles can even reach 100, she reported.

“I have a list on my refrigerator of people to contact in case something happens to me, so if I were to go down in a fiery plane crash, my husband knows who to call to take care of the turtles,” Smith, 53, explained.

Each year, Smith’s rescue group takes in about five animals due to their owner’s death and the absence of a pre-established care plan.

“Many individuals don’t prioritize creating a plan, and then, unfortunately, they become ill and pass away, It’s unfortunate that the individual has passed away, yet it reflects a lack of care,” stated Romain in Brooklyn. “There was a duty to uphold.”

Each year, approximately 100 turtles and tortoises come to Smith’s rescue organization after their owners can no longer look after them due to health issues. The volunteer-based group successfully finds homes for most of these animals and currently cares for around 30, according to Smith.

The organization is seeking a new home for a 42-year-old red-eared slider named Ferti, who was brought to the Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society (MATTS) when her owner transitioned into an assisted living situation.

New pet owners should consider adopting older animals and have a strategy

For anyone thinking about bringing a pet parrot into their lives for the first time, Romain suggests opting for an adult bird rather than a chick, as these birds can live for approximately another 50 years.

“There’s a common misconception that older birds won’t form attachments, but that’s simply not accurate,” he explained.

Getting to know an older bird and steering clear of things it dislikes – such as a noisy vacuum – can lead to a strong bond, Romain added.

“Birds possess high intelligence, so if you do something they don’t enjoy, they’ll remember that you were responsible,” he cautioned.

Just like the birds at McGay’s rescue on Long Island, there are numerous turtles and tortoises in foster care looking for forever homes, Smith remarked. Anyone interested in adopting a turtle should check Petfinder.com in their local area instead of purchasing one from a pet shop, she advised.

Regardless of age, both potential pet owners and pets need to have a clear plan for what to do if they can no longer provide care, emphasized Smith.

“Don’t let age discourage you from adopting, whether it’s your age or the pet’s, because life is unpredictable,” Smith urged.