Green Daily

In honor of National Talk Like a Pirate Day, here is a message from John Cleese and the World Parrot Trust, starting with the famous Monty Python "Dead Parrot Pining For The Fjords" sketch.

Back in the day, every pirate worth his salt had a parrot, a trash talking mini-me who ruled the ship and seas from a secure perch on the Captain's shoulder.

These days, things are going a little less well for parrots -- nearly one-third of all parrot species are endangered.

The World Parrot Trust is an organization that works to conserve parrots and their natural habitats. Their focus includes stopping the traffic of wild caught parrots, and increasing the public's awareness of "the plight of parrots." Apparently many people get a parrot as a pet and are surprised to find out how much time and attention they require. Surprised, and unwilling to provide that care.

It sounds like parrots can use all the help they can get! If you want to learn more about the World Parrot Trust and their work, check out their site, or sign up for their monthly electronic newsletter, Flock Talk.