Claire joins Kyle and Emily to share the story of Yorka, her 23-year-old blue-and-gold macaw, and the rescue journey that brought them together. They talk about trust, second chances, and the realities of life with a parrot — from bonding and behavior challenges to enrichment, training, and long-term care.

Claire reflects on Yorka’s past, their quick connection, and the patience it took to help him settle into family life. The episode also highlights the joys of living with Yorka, from pistachios and foraging games to sofa cuddles and public outings on his harness.

At its heart, this is a story about rescue, responsibility, and why Claire believes so strongly in adopt, don’t shop.

Key Topics

Yorka’s rescue story and rehoming journey
Why Claire chose adoption over buying from a breeder
Building trust and bonding with a rescue macaw
Managing jealousy and family dynamics with parrots
Reading parrot body language and understanding warning signs
Diet, treats, enrichment, and foraging
Household destruction and the realities of parrot ownership
Harness training and social outings
The shortage of avian vets and emergency preparedness
Why long-term planning matters for parrots with long lifespans

Memorable Moments

Claire choosing Yorka after reading his cheeky rescue bio
Yorka’s habit of swearing, saying hello, and blowing kisses
The story behind his name changing from “Majorca” to “Yorka”
Yorka attacking magazines like they personally offended him
Claire describing sofa cuddles before bedtime as her favorite moment
Yorka’s love for pub visits and attention from strangers

Guest Links

Claire says Yorka can be found on:

Instagram: @aintnolawmacaw
TikTok: Yorka Macaw

Support the show

Our Mission:
We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.

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