Welcome to Silent Wings

August 2025

Max, a Timneh African Grey parrot, came into Ivy’s exclusive, continuous care. From the beginning, it was clear that Max had significant physical and neurological limitations and would require stability, consistency, and thoughtful, ongoing care. Ivy’s immediate focus was creating a calm, predictable environment where Max could feel safe and supported.

When Max first entered Ivy’s care, she was told that his condition was believed to be the result of a stroke. Later, information shared by a previous owner indicated that they had been told Max’s condition may have resulted from repeated collisions with windows. Because these explanations were conflicting, Ivy chose not to assume a diagnosis and instead began the process of seeking a formal veterinary evaluation, so that decisions about Max’s long-term care and quality of life could be made responsibly and with medical clarity.

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Max is non-ambulatory and blind, which means his daily life requires careful planning and hands-on support. His environment must be arranged to prevent injury, reduce stress, and accommodate his limited mobility. Despite these challenges, Max continues to show meaningful signs of engagement and connection. He eats well, becomes excited when he hears familiar voices, and expresses comfort through soft coos and a recognizable “happy dance.” These behaviors are how Ivy gauges Max’s comfort and emotional well-being day to day.

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Max’s care includes supportive therapies such as red light therapy and use of an Assisi Loop, which are used to help manage inflammation and discomfort while his medical picture is still being clarified. These therapies are supportive, not curative. Max also has a scheduled veterinary appointment on the 16th as part of the ongoing effort to obtain diagnostic clarity and professional guidance regarding his condition and quality of life.

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Since August 2025, Ivy has been solely responsible for arranging and maintaining all aspects of Max’s care, including his daily routine, medical coordination, and supportive treatments. His needs are ongoing and require consistency, patience, and informed decision-making.

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Raising Concerns Internally

While caring for Max, Ivy also raised concerns internally about operational matters based on her own lived experience. She did so with the intention of addressing issues responsibly and privately. Over time, Ivy felt increasingly unheard and isolated and perceived that close personal relationships within leadership made open discussion difficult. During this period, emotions ran high, and Ivy acknowledges that she lost her temper during a heated conversation, something she regrets.

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Going Public to Seek Help

Feeling unsure where else to turn and wanting help, Ivy shared her concerns publicly, including concerns related to the environment in which birds associated with the rescue were being cared for. Her intent was to seek transparency and assistance—not to escalate conflict. At the time, Ivy did not anticipate the scale of response that would follow.

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Unbeknownst to Ivy, a report regarding similar concerns was made to law enforcement on the same day. Ivy did not make this report and was unaware it had occurred. However, because of the timing, Ivy was assumed by some to be responsible for the call, which added significant stress and confusion to an already overwhelming situation.

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What began as an effort to seek help quickly grew far beyond what Ivy expected. She was overwhelmed by the volume of community outreach, messages, and support that followed and struggled to process how quickly the situation escalated.

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Cease-and-Desist and Escalation

Shortly afterward, Ivy received a cease-and-desist letter requesting that she publicly retract her statements and affirm that her prior statements were untrue. The communication further indicated that compliance would be considered in discussions regarding whether Ivy would be permitted to continue caring for Max.

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Experiencing Max’s future discussed alongside pressure related to speech was deeply distressing for Ivy, particularly given Max’s medical sensitivity and reliance on continuity of care. For Ivy, this moment made it clear how easily a vulnerable animal’s well-being can become entangled in complex human conflict.

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Legal Constraints and Next Steps

These events unfolded under intense pressure and shortened timelines, many of them occurring during a holiday period, which limited access to specialized legal resources. At present, Ivy has only a personal attorney available to assist with immediate matters. It has become clear, however, that the complexity of this situation requires highly specialized legal counsel with experience in whistleblower matters, compelled retractions, and animal-related custody and welfare issues. Ivy is actively seeking the right legal support. Cost is not the issue—ensuring Max’s safety, stability, and continuity of care is.

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Why This Project Exists

This project exists because animals like Max cannot speak for themselves, and because people who raise concerns in good faith should not be forced to choose between their integrity and the well-being of a vulnerable animal. As a result of what has unfolded, many individuals have reached out privately with similar fears about speaking up. Silent Wings provides a safe, confidential space for people to share their lived experiences in writing, thoughtfully and in good faith.

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Max is not an abstract issue or a bargaining concept. He is a living, disabled bird whose safety, comfort, and quality of life depend entirely on careful, informed, and compassionate human decision-making, especially during moments of uncertainty.

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Safety & Context

This page shares Ivy’s personal experience and perspective to explain Max’s care and why this project exists. It reflects events as they were understood at the time and is provided for context only. It is not intended to make accusations, assign blame, or present conclusions about any individual or organization. The focus of this page is Max’s well-being, continuity of care, and the lived experience surrounding his story.