My Mom got Cleo before she knew anything about the reality of exotic birds, having them as pets as well as the pitiful reality of exotic bird trafficking. My mom is an animal lover, to the extreme. Cleo was a baby when my mom bought her. I was 15 years old, Marisa was 12 and Danielle was 9. It was 1989. Cleo is now 28 years old. African Grey parrots live for approximately 60 years. She is a beloved member of our family. We will always care for her, always love her.

Lavi especially loves Cleo. Today we went up to my mom's house and Lavi spent a lot of time with her. Personally, Cleo's beak scares the shit out of me. I know what kind of damage a beak like that could do. Lavi doesn't know and I didn't tell him. He knows Cleo is so gentle and loving. She talks to him, lets him pet her. She tastes him, gently putting his fingers in her mouth. He has no fear of her and I love that. Lavi is the kindest and calmest person I have ever met, especially when it comes to animals. His his zen-like nature with animals is mesmerizing.